Willmott Dixon has been chosen to deliver the new Junior School, STEM building and Sixth Form Hub at St Dunstan’s College – a co-educational independent school in Catford, London.
Construction will start in January on the £18m contract, which is part of St Dunstan’s College’s wider plan to significantly redevelop the site – which has stood since their foundation in 1888 – and rationalise their existing buildings into a new world-class facility.
Designed by Bond Bryan, the state-of-the-art development will be sited adjacent to the existing historic Headmaster’s House and be connected by a glass atrium. Built over two, three and four storeys, phase one will see demolition of an existing building and the construction of the new junior school that will provide a stimulating learning environment – with specialist facilities for art, music and performance – while providing unrestricted access to age-appropriate sporting facilities across the elevated playing areas and the two Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs).
Phase two will see the delivery of the STEM Centre and Sixth Form Hub; these cutting-edge facilities will consolidate STEM subjects into a modern central space. The Hub will also provide university-style learning – including large independent study spaces and social areas and a café.
Nicholas Hewlett, Headteacher at St Dunstan’s College said: “This is the most significant development of St Dunstan’s College since our Catford foundation in 1888. The innovative design of the buildings and the emphasis on STEM, chimes with our original purpose that education at the College should be ‘in advance of its present time’, and we are thrilled to be working with market leaders, Willmott Dixon, in making this a reality.
“The project will have significant impact, not only on the education we provide here, but to our wider community; those we help to access our education, and those from across Lewisham who benefit from our facilities, both on the main College site and on the Jubilee fields.”
The College’s Bursar, Clair Wilkins, added: “We are really looking forward to working with Willmott Dixon on this fabulous project, which we know will have such a positive impact on the St Dunstan’s community.”
Adam Worrall, Director, Willmott Dixon in the London & South region, commented: “We are delighted to be working with St Dunstan’s College. We recognise the College operates to a high standard; we cannot wait to support this by delivering a world-class inspirational learning space that will complement their teaching for many years to come.”
Zubin Masters, director at Bond Bryan explained: “Our design for the site delivers a bespoke solution to revitalise an established and prestigious independent school through a new elegant and contemporary brick building and associated landscape areas. Architecturally, the solution aims to be a contemporary addition to the site that is a sensitive response to the historical locally-listed College building.”