A new Sixth Form and Art, Design & Technology (ADT) building at St Benedict’s School is in the final stages of construction and the installation of the lightning conductor, which is the highest point, was celebrated at the ‘Topping Out’ Ceremony. A group of invited guests was taken on a tour of the building, which is due for completion in September.

Meryl Townley, from van Heyningen & Haward Architects, spoke about the vision to improve and enrich learning for the sixth form and ADT department, which spurred them to produce this modern, functional and ecological design. In its prominent position along Montpelier Avenue, the building will promote St Benedict’s School to all visitors, parents, pupils and passing members of the public.

The sixth form will benefit from a social area on the ground floor and a work area on the first floor with a variety of study environments, the whole design giving the Sixth Form Centre a coherent identity. ADT will have a Technology room on the ground floor and also the whole of the second floor, which will have large windows and north lights within the roof to ensure good levels of natural daylight and also to facilitate natural ventilation.

The contractors, Jerram Falkus Construction and the project leader, Martin Hickey, led the tour and explained the finer points of the construction work. Jerram Falkus plan to hand over the building mid-September in line with the programme. The sixth form move in after the October half term break and the internal finishing of the ADT section will be completed by the start of the Lent term. The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, will formally open and bless the new building on 28th January 2016.

www.stbenedicts.org.uk