Carlisle College, Creative Arts and Media Building
Overview
Comprising a 128-seater performance theatre, dance studio, rehearsal spaces, and an Apple Mac lab the project has been erected on a site formerly known as Swift Mews.
This visually attractive building also provides music and music technology labs, fashion and textile rooms, art studios and gallery space.
The scheme was designed by Broadway Maylan and the construction works included the provision of new build accommodation, as well as the retention of an existing building façade classed as being of historical interest by the local planning authority
Key Challenges
The project involved a number of challenges which included retaining the current façade which we did successfully using a temporary subframe of steelwork bracketed to the face of the building and a substantial Kentledge scaffold support system.
The site was situated on a highly trafficked pedestrian route into the town centre which had limited access, therefore requiring footpath closures and diversions.
The College remained operational throughout and we conducted our works with minimum disruption to staff and students. The scheme is a highly serviced building with exposed ductwork and limited service zone which involved liaison with a specialist performance stage and lighting rig supplier.
The project also had a very stringent acoustic target to meet the requirements of the music practice rooms and recording studios. Finally, completion dates were fixed to meet the Clients fit out requirements and met by EWC.
Added Value
These included students designing the site hoarding banner, monthly progress photographs by photography students, groundbreaking ceremony, newsletter, monthly site visits, visit to Leach Steel factory to view structural steel fabrication, law seminar, annual lectures (3 years post-construction).
We also provided student work placements at Broadway Malyan Architectural and Waterman Structural Engineering and apprentice opportunities in Groundworks, Steel Erection, Plastering, Brickwork, Mechanical, Electrical, Joinery, Painting and Decorating, Suspended Ceiling and Floor Finishes.