Sixth form centre in Wakefield constructed off-site in under 4 months

The York-based Portakabin Group was able to construct a new sixth form centre in Wakefield in just 13 weeks by using a Yorkon off-site solution.

To accommodate for the increasing demand of students wanting to continue their education within the region, Wakefield College and Crofton Academy partnered to open Crofton Sixth Form.

Crofton Academy wanted to to add a new sixth form facility to build on its established status as a highly successful secondary school catering for 11-16 year old. Wakefield College also had to meet a requirement to expand its own post-16 provision in the region.

Therefore, the two institutions were able to form a partnership to create a purpose-designed learning centre.

The 528m2 building, which was designed by P+HS Architects, on the site of Crofton Academy was completed just 13 weeks on site and the cranage phase was carried out during school holidays to minimise disruption to teaching.

Due to the site being located so close to existing school buildings and between steep grass banks, a 500-tonne crane had to be used to lower the steel-framed Yorkon modules into position. Portakabin provided a full service for this project, including modular design and engineering, manufacture, fitting out and landscaping.

Facilities at Crofton Sixth Form include six classrooms, a quiet study area, computer suite, common room, office, circulation areas, lift, toilets with disabled access and plant room. All teaching and study areas have full IT connectivity and one of the classrooms has a computer game design facility to accommodate a specialist course offered by the college.

Jon Howard, director of Estates at Wakefield College, said, “The use of a Yorkon off-site solution radically reduced the programme time and the impact of construction on the school’s existing operations. We simply could not have achieved that with site-based construction.”

“The new facility has been exceptionally well received by everyone who has visited it, including other schools and colleges. The internal layout utilises every inch of space and we now have an outstanding sixth form centre for up to 150 students. I am also delighted to report that this is the first building I have ever received with absolutely no defects.”

Phil Bentley, Director at P+HS Architects, said, “We recommended a Yorkon solution for this project having worked with the Portakabin Group previously. We knew the approach would result in delivery of the building on time, on budget and built to a very high standard – and to a much shorter programme than on-site construction could achieve. Their team is always thorough, proactive and often brings additional thoughts and ideas to a project, as well as aesthetic flexibility.”

“Use of a Yorkon solution will also allow the sixth form centre to be expanded very quickly in the near future to meet the increasing demand for places.”

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