A look behind scenes as college takes shape
A £9.5 million project has seen a former council library building converted into a stateof-the art sixth form centre after 18 months’ work.
Redevelopment of the former Central Library building at Northgate, Halifax, will bring a dedicated centre for more than 600 16 to 18-yearolds in Calderdale, which over the years has seen post-GCSE pupils continue their education out of the area.
Calderdale Council with partners Trinity MultiAcademy Trust, which will run the centre, Rastrick High School, LDN Architects, blacc – the council’s Halifax-based construction contractor – and a range of small, local contractors have worked to change all that and the result is a remarkable transition, ready to receive its first students in September.
They will arrive at a building which does not feel like an old one given a facelift – it wholly achieves the look and feel of a new build.
With an atrium driving through the heart of the building from top to bottom it makes maximum use of space and natural light with windows of solar-control glass, uses acoustic panels to mute any hubbub and utilises a natural ventilation system.
Stonework has been restored and 100 per cent recyclable zinc cladding fits into the ecofriendly brief. while internal attention to detail, and partners have had input into the new design from the start, goes right down to corridor points where students can fill their bottles.
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