Race Cottam Associates - General Development - Derby

Date: 04 Aug 2008

A £20.5million project to replace a school in Derby destroyed by fire two years ago is nearing completion.

Sinfin Community School is being transformed by South Yorkshire Architects Race Cottam Associates, into a modern, striking showcase school.

The scheme confirms Race Cottam's growing reputation in the education sector and reflects a strong partnership with the school, which has specialist status in engineering.

And now, Race Cottam has submitted plans to Derby City Council for a second facility at the 1,000-plus pupil school.

The second facility will convert the school's existing library and science block into a building comprising a vocational skills centre with rooms dedicated for catering and engineering courses.

Matt Beach, project architect at Race Cottam, said: "We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to design this second building and are looking forward to continuing our close relationship to develop the facilities further at Sinfin Community School.

"The main school building will be opening at the start of the new academic year this September. It looks fantastic with innovative features which boast best practice ecological features, making the school one of the greenest in the region.

"Those features include a bio-mass boiler, a wind turbine, grey water recycling, natural ventilation, a large pond and wildlife habitats. All these will be implemented into the new building where necessary."

Subject to planning permission, the start of the building work is anticipated to start in November.

Steve Monks, headteacher of Sinfin Community School said: "Working with Race Cottam Associates has made the building of our new school much easier for us.

"Their innovative ideas, creative problem solving and client centred approach has produced a building that will enhance the achievement of our students for years to come."

The new building's entrance at Sinfin Community School

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