Winner: Hollybush Primary School, Leeds

Hollybush Primary School was built, following a proposal by Education Leeds, to replace two schools that both had surplus places. The communities it serves are characterised by a poor built environment, high levels of social exclusion and limited access to public and other services. The need was to provide a new school, built to the highest design standards, capable of offering a first-class service to pupils and the wider community.

What action was taken?

Leeds City Council’s ambition, working in partnership with its contractor Keir Group, was to build a school to the highest possible design and environmental standards, while working within a constrained budget. The school successfully balances these elements, providing an environmentally-sensitive building and a highly-effective learning environment.

Designed in-house by Leeds City Council Architectural Design Services, the head teacher, teachers, staff, governors, nursery teachers, pupils and the community were consulted on, and involved in, the development of the new school from the very outset of the project.

What is special about this project?

There are several aspects of the school’s design that stand out. High-quality materials and workmanship have ensured that two years after opening, management and maintenance costs have been minimised. Separate entrances from the outside of each classroom have reduced the time taken for pupils to get to and from class, hence increased teaching time. Large roof overhangs provide solar shielding and protection from the elements during playtimes. The innovative carbon dioxide control systems, featured in each classroom, automatically open vents to let air in when levels get too high. The on-site Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC) features prominently in the school, integrating disabled children into the mainstream life of the school.

The benefits of this new school have also been felt by the local community. In an area in which graffiti and vandalism is common, the school has been largely unaffected - a sign of the enormous respect that the building has received from the local community. Since its opening, the school has seen a 15% increase in the amount of pupils at the school, along with an attendance figure of 97.3% for the academic year.

The approach of the Keir Group added considerably to the success of the project as they clearly worked closely with the ‘client’ to maximise satisfaction. This is continuing into the maintenance period with Keir keeping not only the building fit for purpose but also the grounds.

What can be learned?

This is a clear example of how the public sector can deliver buildings of the highest quality design and construction while working within tight resource constraints. What is particularly impressive is the way that Leeds City Council’s consistent focus on sustainability throughout the design process has delivered a building that meets exacting environmental standards while also functioning effectively as a school and wider community resource.

Finalists 

Brayford Pool Campus (Lincoln)

The redevelopment of contaminated land into a campus serving Lincoln University offering high-quality buildings that meet standards of environmental sustainability in line with, and in many cases ahead of, industry norms. The scheme has also triggered the regeneration of the entire area,, creating 1,000 jobs in academic, administrative and support roles, and helped to significantly increase local participation in higher education. The services within the campus have also won national acclaim and helped to expand the graduate employment sector in Lincoln and the region.

Coopers Road Estate Regeneration (Bermondsey)

This development of a previously troubled estate has been extremely successful in providing sustainable regeneration using low environmental impact design. Working with the local communities to arrive at decisions has inspired a real sense of community and security. Great attention was given to energy conservation using combined heat and power system (CHP), with the average heat loss being 16% better than building regulations targets.

Gun Wharf (Plymouth)

This project in Devonport has successfully redeveloped a rundown and derelict 1950s housing estate into a model social housing complex with a flamboyant identity and maritime-based architecture. There was extensive community participation. The development retains traditional features, such as the cobbled streets, and makes good use of public space in ways that maximise security as well as visual appeal.

Haycombe Drive (Bath)

The development at Haycombe Drive replaced two blocks of very poor-quality flats that had been empty for some time, resulting in management and security problems. The scheme aimed to turn the area into one that was attractive, energy efficient and environmentally friendly, with good security and creative use of ‘urban space’ for the community to enjoy. The local community was closely involved in reviewing the redevelopment options.