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Kirklees College

Kirklees College undertook a study into the future viability of their existing site. This identified major maintenance and repair problems that would be prohibitively expensive to rectify. Following a review of options to redevelop their existing New North Road site, it was clear that a live college environment would be financially unfeasible for the new development.

On this basis alternative sites were considered and Drees & Sommer supported the College with the procurement of a strategic partner to lead on the preferred new site at the heart of Huddersfield town centre sited alongside a main canal.

We provided support to secure funding for the new building, including a new multi storey building of 28,400m², set into a sloping site which forms part of the new proposed Waterfront Quarter development.

The two linked blocks consist of a seven storey western block consisting of atrium, learning resource centre, restaurant, bistro, refectory and classrooms which is linked to the eastern block of nine storeys which houses foundation, hair and beauty, science and administration.

The selected site was owned by the strategic development partner which required detailed negotiations with them and the Council to ensure that the College stayed in control of the development and also secured best value.

The building was constructed alongside a canal which required extensive consultation with British Waterways and the Environment Agency to ensure that they were able to support the project through planning.

A key driver to the project was to develop a sustainable building which incorporates building elements, including new air conditioning heat pump technologies, grey water recycling for toilets, bio-mass boilers and other environmental design features.

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