College project performs with steel

A new £2.4m steel-framed media and performing arts building at Winstanley College, Billinge, Wigan, is nearing completion.

Architectural and engineering consultancy Pick Everard is leading the project, procured through the Crescent Purchasing Consortium, to deliver state-of-the-art facilities for students at the college, which is already recognised for its outstanding academic achievement.

The main design and build contractor is ISG Construction, and its subcontractor Leach Structural Steelwork completed steelwork erection in March. Handover is scheduled for the end of July, ready for the new intake of students in autumn 2012.

The replacement block will house both media studies and performing arts departments in a single two-storey building, allowing staff and resources to be shared between related departments. With a distinctive partially curved roof, studio spaces and classrooms will provide,what is said to be an inspirational environment for film, media, dance, performing arts and music.

The sustainable structure has been designed to use appropriate renewable technologies and is aiming to exceed a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.