Clifton College invests £2.3 million in pupil facilities

CLIFTON College has opened two new day houses in its Preparatory School as part of a multi-million pound programme of investment into school facilities and pastoral care.

Built by long-standing associate Kitto Construction, the project has seen two 1970's properties demolished and regenerated into an elegant Victorian-style £2.3 million property.

Developed to celebrate the school's 150th anniversary, the new building consists of separate day houses for boys and girls, each with its own study area, lounge, and fully fitted games room as well as cooking and shower facilities for their 8-13 year old residents.

The Bristol-based construction company built the bespoke property in The Avenue, Clifton with state of the art sustainable technology hidden behind a traditional stone fabric.

Clifton College Bursar, Louise Hanson said: "We are delighted with the way this beautiful new building fits seamlessly within the Clifton environment and incorporates 21st Century energy-saving."

John Milne, Headmaster of the Prep School says: "Over the past five years our approach has been to combine excellence in teaching and learning with the widest range of extra-curricula opportunities, all supported by an investment of £12.5m in first class sporting and pastoral facilities.

"This approach is really starting to pay dividends, with an increased number of applications to join the school and this summer's best ever A-Level results, which saw a record 16 pupils awarded places at Oxbridge."

Kitto Construction's Managing Director, Graham Rowe, said: "We've taken just over a year to finish the houses and this is our fifth major project for Clifton College.

"Beneath its classic exterior we've ensured energy conservation with super insulation, movement-controlled lighting and heat recovery as well as preserving existing trees, pedestrian and vehicular access."

The open-plan top floor is home to a top of the range air conditioned drama studio with sprung beech flooring, stage lighting, a moveable stage and audio facilities. There is also provision for access to the Drama Studio for Butcombe, Clifton's early years pupils aged 3-8.

Architects Nichols, Brown and Webber, along with Kitto Construction and Clifton College held consultation with the local community to ensure the building complemented the Conservation Area.

All floors are fully accessible for the disabled, with a special lift, shower and toilet facilities.

Graham added: "Kitto Construction project-managed the design stage including the planning process and consultations to ensure quality from start to finish.

"Our team offers exceptional value and achieves high standards of completion on time, and on budget, every time."

For more information on Clifton College and the range of scholarships on offer contact admissions at Clifton College on 0117 315 7000 or email admissions@clifton-college.avon.sch.uk.

For more information on Kitto Construction please call 01179420301 or go to www.kitto-group.co.uk