ISG hands over new SEMH school in Reading
ISG is delighted to have completed the new Hamilton School in Reading. Formerly known as Phoenix College, the £8m new school specialises in the education of secondary-aged children with Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) issues. The new school will offer 94 additional places and it has now moved into the new premises from their existing site, which is about 10 minutes away.
Procured through the Southern Construction Framework, the project has been delivered for Reading City Council and was supported by funding from the Department for Education.
The team have refurbished a vacant building on the site and have constructed a new build Cross Laminate Timber extension, which features the main hall, dining area, kitchen, and other support facilities.
The existing building has undergone extensive work, including re-roofing, re-glazing, removal of the existing façade and re cladding with brick slip panels, and the creation of new walls and partitions. The have also fitted the school with a brand-new IT system. A calming interior colour palette also assists with the overall teaching environment.
Landscaping works of the grounds has also been completed, which allows for the formation of a new sports pitch along with external seating, paving, and planting. Access to the school has been improved and a new car park has been created for school faculty and parents.
Senior Project Manager, Tony Sedgwick said “It’s a great moment to be able to have completed Hamilton School. The old facilities were outdated and in need of a major overhaul, so to be able to provide a brand-new school, which will increase the spaces for future pupils, is very pleasing.”
Tony continued “The new school’s design was heavily influenced by the requirements of the end users to ensure it created the right space for the children to learn. Some of the key elements were the oversized corridors to create a more spacious environment and the use of curved walls to prevent hidden corners.
Councillor Ashley Pearce, lead member for education, said: “The school forms a key part of our special education needs (SEN) strategy and will help improve education for some of Reading’s most vulnerable students. With Maiden Erlegh Trust now leading the school and this new site, it's a chance for the school to really relaunch itself.”