Procurement:Layout 1 11/09/2009 16:36 Page 36
procurement
Going Public
Integrated community-based facilities on school sites are increasingly becoming a fixture
of the new schools programme as the dividing line blurs between the school and the ‘public’
space, says ALISTAIR WALKER of Watkins Gray International architects.
T
HE TRANSFORMATION has introduced Haringey Young People’s Centre, a safe
some important additions to school learning environment for pupils with a
sites, from nurseries and health range of complex behavioural, educational
centres, to faith centres and sports halls. and social difficulties, also includes a
At best, these facilities genuinely ‘therapy suite’ for young people’s mental
contribute something of real value, health that is accessed during the day by
creating new community hubs. young people and their families using a
Allens Croft Primary School in dedicated entrance into its own area of
Birmingham, for example, also includes a the school building.
Children’s Centre comprising Early Years All of these projects clearly exhibit
and Nursery Facilities. The Children’s Centre some of the important considerations for
has an independent entrance and reception designing school facilities that also
area which is managed separately from require public access: they all have
the school. A welcoming entrance foyer dedicated and separate public entrances.
and open waiting area provide parents
and children with a friendly atmosphere Security
while they await appointments with the Security is of course a key consideration,
Alistair Walker: Other key policies should be
development specialist. and although it is unusual for facilities to
implemented in conjunction with BSF.
This partnership between health and be shared during normal school hours,
education enables a rare opportunity for there is often a requirement to separate
children’s professionals to work together both public and school users to some
in a caring environment for the wider degree. Solutions are found through
needs of children from 0 to 11. applying separate navigation routes
In contrast, Allerton High School in Leeds around the school ground, as well as
(edb April 09) was the first BSF School in utilising separate entrances into facilities.
the UK to include a Multi-Faith Centre. Another primary consideration is the
The Centre serves five major faith question of programming and scheduling
Top: St Paul’s Community School in Tower Hamlets.
By introducing additional housing to create a
groups, has public access seven days a the use of facilities among both the
mixed use scheme, a substantial financial cross
week, and hosts important community public and the school population, ensuring
subsidy was introduced into the feasibility study. events such as faith services and weddings. that use of facilities is phased to meet
36 edbmagazine.co.uk
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