CONSTRUCTION has started on a new £6 million sports hub at a prestigious, academically non-selective state boarding school in Woking.
Award-winning construction firm Stepnell has been appointed by Gordon’s School to build a new sporting facility for the pupils and staff, which will be delivered over a 36-week programme.
The ultra-modern build – designed by NVB Architects – will include a 1,223 square metre sports hall with associated changing rooms and supporting spaces. Stepnell will also be installing a new all-weather pitch with the help of S&C Slatter to provide a high-quality playing surface for both football and rugby.
The company has a proud history of refurbishing, designing and building educational facilities and Gordon’s School will be a welcome addition to its large portfolio of both public and private sector clients.
Rob Speirs, regional director at Stepnell, said: “We’re delighted to have started on site at this fantastic school and we are really pleased to be involved in a project that will help sporting development in the school curriculum.
“Physical education teaches students the importance of teamwork, communication and discipline – attributes that are all essential for future employment and are used by our own teams on site.”
As specialist sector experts, Stepnell has significant experience of the complexities of educational construction and has been working to anticipate risks and opportunities to help Gordon’s School maximise the whole life value of its investment.
Rob added: “The team is highly experienced in negotiating live sites and has put special measures in place to ensure the safety of all staff and students is maintained whilst the work is taking place.
“Gordon’s School is an amazing establishment and we are committed to ensuring that the sports hub reflects the high standards that are already exceeded by the school.”
The sports hall – based on the recommendations set out by Sport England guidance– will combine with the new all-weather pitch, the school’s existing hockey pitch, netball courts and established playing fields to create a sports hub for the school to help promote and strengthen its ‘sport for all’ approach.
Susan Meikle, Bursar at Gordon’s School, said: “Gordon’s School selected Stepnell for our £6m sports hall and all-weather pitch not just because they tendered the best value bid, but because of the manner in which their bid was put together, as well as their experience of working in education.
“At every stage of the tender process, Stepnell sent all relevant personnel to site and clearly worked as a professional team together, and with their subcontractors; this meant that we knew they had really considered every aspect of the project carefully, putting forward suggestions for value-engineering and really wanting the best for us the client, and therefore our students.
“Stepnell have worked with us to complete any feasible preparatory work, ensuring once on site properly, the project can run without undue delay. We look forward to completion in summer 2020.”
To find out more about Stepnell visit: www.stepnell.co.uk or join the conversation at @Stepnellltd.