Member Article

BAM to undertake £11 million refurbishment of London College

BAM is to carry out an £11 million internal refurbishment of the historic London college that trained celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

The contractor, which has offices in London, is to carry out phase two of the redevelopment of Westminster Kingsway College’s Grade II listed Victoria Centre.

BAM carried out phase one of the scheme last year, renewing roofs, windows and exterior brickwork across elements of the college built in the 1900s, 1930s and 1950s.

Work on phase two, which started in August 2014, with completion scheduled for September 2015, will include creating a three-storey central atrium, replacing mechanical and electrical services and updating floor and wall coverings.

The further education college will remain operational throughout, requiring BAM to carefully plan and phase works.

Getting materials in and out of the building to the tight central space for the atrium will also present a major challenge.

BAM will work with local suppliers where possible and look to use the project to benefit students at the college and pupils at a local primary school.

Westminster Kingsway College offers courses in a wide range of subjects and it best known for its School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, based at the Victoria Centre. Former students of the college include TV chefs Jamie Oliver, Sophie Wright and Ainsley Harriott.

The Victoria Centre includes buildings designed by renowned English architect Harry Goodhart-Rendel.

BAM construction director Mike Donegan said: “We are delighted to be returning to this historic and famous college for another phase of this important project to prepare it for the future.

’We will be using all our skills and experience to help restore heritage-protected elements of the building to their former glory.“

Paul Stephen, Director of Finance at Westminster Kingsway College, said “We are very pleased to be working again with BAM Construction. The project will significantly improve our future curriculum offer, and we are encouraged by BAM’s commitment to manage the works sensitively so current students and staff are not unduly disrupted by the building works.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .