A Bradford sixth form college is set to see its total student cohort grow by 50 per cent, following an expansion project worth £4m.
Property consultancy Eddisons has supported Immanuel College in securing funding for, and also in delivering, the project, which will increase sixth form capacity by 100 students – potentially taking the total size of the Immanuel College sixth form to 330 – from September.
The Idle-based school was identified as one of 42 education providers eligible for post-16 Government funding, on account of oversubscription of places and rising demand.
Eddisons acted as technical adviser to the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust on its application for funding, which included advising on existing capacity; conducting feasibility assessments; producing concept designs; and leading the pre-planning phase.
The firm also drafted the successful application for £4m in funding; and was appointed as lead architect and designer, contract administrator, and project manager.
The new building at Immanuel College, which occupies part of one of the school’s playing fields, includes six “high-tech” classrooms, a social study area, a common room, and a dining area and kitchen.
Sustainability was a key focus of the design, with the building incorporating solar panels, LED lighting, and “enhanced” insulation.
The project also included levelling a sloped area to create a Sports England-compliant football pitch, for use by both the school and the community.
Additional accessible outdoor space for students was also created.
Nick Rymer, Eddisons head of architectural services, said: “We’re proud to be part of this transformational project for Immanuel College and the trust.
“From feasibility studies and design, to planning support and funding advice, this development showcases Eddisons’ full-service capability in the education sector.
“It’s a pleasure to help deliver facilities that will support young people and the wider community for many years to come.”
Marc Burrow, head of estates at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been prioritised for this new sixth form facility, and are excited to welcome even more students into an improved post-16 offer that includes a diverse subject mix and excellent teaching in the modern, inspiring learning environment this project has created.”
Planning approval was granted in 2023, with construction commencing shortly thereafter.
