Loreto goes back to basics for refurbishment

Work is underway on a £12m project to refurbish Loreto High School in Chorlton.

The majority of the remodelling will see an existing three storey teaching and technology block stripped back to the original concrete frame and refurbished with new internal partitions and over cladding.

And next Thursday (July 1st), will see work start to remove the existing cladding to reveal the skeleton of the building.

The Nell Lane site is home to a catholic voluntary aided 750-place high school for 11 to 16 year olds and a convent.

The revamp at Loreto will completely transform the external appearance of the school as well as extend its life by at least 30 years. It will also improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and improve internal environmental conditions. New heating, lighting and windows will be installed in the building.

The improvements are funded by the Building Schools for the Future programme. 

Other work at the school will include the building of a new three storey extension to the main entrance area to provide a new library that will be available for both pupils and the public in the evenings. Extra teaching and resource spaces for both the school and community will be created along with a new lift. There will also be the demolition of a small administration block.

A number of classrooms will also be redesigned to create designated english, humanities and science departments.

Pupils ideas for the outside spaces have been incorporated into the landscaping, including informal social spaces, outdoor classrooms and a dining area, and resurfaced hard play areas.

The main three storey teaching block will be completed in February 2011 and the rest of the work by November 2011. Pupils have been located to temporary accommodation on site until work is completed.

Headteacher, Luke Dillon, says: "The new building programme represents a very important step on our journey to providing outstanding educational opportunities and facilities for the catholic children of our feeder primary schools. The interior and exterior of the new building will stimulate students and provide them with the first class accommodation they deserve. We are very excited about the new project."

Councillor Sheila Newman, Manchester City Council Executive Member for Children's Services, adds: "The Building Schools for the Future programme is more than just bricks and mortar, it is about transforming the way education is delivered for the benefit of every student living in the city.
 
"The work at Loreto will extend the life of the school significantly as well as creating an enhanced educational experience for both pupils and staff."

The contractor on the project is Bramall Construction and the architect is Ellis Williams Architects.