Key Facts

Client: The School of St Helen & St Katherine

Architect: NVB Architects (Somerset)

QS: Sworn King & Partners

Main contractor: Benfield & Loxley

Value: £334,000

Start date: August 2002

Completion date: March 2005

Lowe & Oliver have a long standing relationship with the Client and were employed to undertake both the design and installation of a new drama and performing arts studio for this independent girls school in Abingdon.

To provide professional facilities for a new build 200 seat theatre in the round, some existing building structures were demolished. A major extension, beyond the original listed building lines, to accommodate additional dining facilities together with the refurbishment of the kitchens and the forming of new teaching and music rooms, were also undertaken.

The original incoming switchroom had to be demolished to make way for the new development. This entailed the relocation of all the existing submains to maintain supplies to the remaining blocks. A new substation was constructed to provide the additional and future load requirements of the school. All these works were prioritised and programmed to ensure the academic calendar, out of school activities and exams, were not disrupted.