Overview

The College is investing over £7.5m in the much-needed refurbishment of the Fleetwood Nautical Campus as part of the ten year property strategy to improve the condition of the entire estate. The works include the internal and external refurbishment of the main teaching block and the refurbishment of the 100 bedroom hall of residence.

Project timescales

Following a detailed design and tender period the project started on site in June 2011. The work is being planned in a complex series of phases to keep the building operational throughout the refurbishment. The project is due for completion in October 2012 and is currently on target.

Key features

Teaching accommodation:

• Fully refurbished classroom facilities with modern furniture and all rooms fitted with standardised state-of-the-art interactive projectors and teaching podiums.
• Specialist simulators – brand new for 2012 is the engine room simulator, providing interactive touch-screen technology in purpose-built facilities.
• Extended and improved learning resource centre relocated to the ground floor to improve accessibility, including self checkout book facilities and increased provision of networked computer facilities.
• New reception to provide a welcoming and functional 'front-door' to the campus.
• Fantastic open-plan ground floor providing a mix of social, study, refreshment and meeting facilities to create a truly inclusive and professional teaching and learning environment.
• New multi-functional student social facilities to include licensed bar, pool and darts and digital TV.
• Fully refurbished kitchens, servery and dining facilities, providing excellent catering and refreshments throughout the day.
• For the first time in its history the campus will have a new passenger lift to replace an antiquated stair lift. The new lift and accessible toilet facilities maintain the College's commitment to equality and diversity.

Hall of residence:

• Full internal refurbishment of the hall of residence, increasing the bedrooms from 99 to 102. Ensuite bathroom facilities were considered however as this would have created a significant loss of bed spaces the idea was not progressed.
• All rooms feature modern fittings and furnishings, comprising of a wash hand basin and mirror, wardrobe and study workspace. WiFi coverage is also included.
• As part of the refurbishment a new accessible room with ensuite accessible shower room is located next to the security office at the entrance to the halls.
• There is a mixture of fully refurbished toilet and communal/individual shower facilities located throughout the accommodation.
• A new pay-as-you go laundry is located by the main entrance, with ironing rooms located on the upper floors.
• A multi-faith room is included.
• All building services (electrical wiring, CCTV, access control, data and heating systems) have been replaced to provide safe and comfortable residential accommodation.

External upgrades:

• The external elevations are being over-clad with aluminium panels and insulation, complemented by new aluminium external doors and windows with thermally efficient double glazing. The new external facade will transform the appearance of the original 1960s concrete construction and give the appearance of a new build construction that meets modern energy performance standards.
• The entrance will have a new aluminium revolving door to reduce heat loss from the inclement North West weather, with an accessible access door linked to new ramps and accessible paths from the car park.
• New external signage will add colour and identity to the building and will establish the campus as a true landmark in the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre region.
• The roof is being insulated and recovered with all internal rainwater pipes being renewed.
• The halls of residence will be repaired and redecorated externally as it would not be cost effective to do anything more significant.
• The scheme has included the significant improvement of 50% of the overspill car park surface. If sufficient funds are available towards the end of the project additional surface improvements may be undertaken.

Refurbishment versus new build

The College and its professional advisers did consider the cost of a new build and demolition of the existing accommodation. Unfortunately, this option proved to be too costly to consider further.

Noise and disruption

• The College had to make some difficult decisions when considering the refurbishment option as this would clearly mean the campus had to remain operational. Every effort is being made to work closely with the main contractor, John Turner and Sons, to minimise the impact to students and staff.
• The College is utilising its own accommodation to take teaching and learning away from the construction where practical to do so. In addition, a local business with spare accommodation has been hired to assist with reducing the noise disturbance.
• The College holds daily and weekly coordination meetings with the building contractor and significant improvements have been made by planning works in advance.
• The contractor has allowed for some out of hours operations to undertake noisy works but this is limited due to the length of time it would take to complete the entire project and the significant cost increase which would be incurred by the College.

Contractor details

After a rigorous selection and tender process the College appointed a North West based main contractor called John Turner & Sons. The main contractor, located in Preston, has engaged a number of local and regional suppliers and sub contractors, which is important to the College in securing local training and employment opportunities for the region.

John Turner & Sons have registered the Nautical Campus site with the national 'Considerate Constructors' scheme, which recognises their sustainable approach to working with the College, and the local community and supply chain.

Funding

As one of the first projects in the College's ten year property strategy, the Fleetwood Nautical Campus refurbishment is being funded from the College's own reserves. Future projects will require grant funding or loans.