Marine academy project ahoy for BAM Construct UK
Hemel Hempstead 16 May 2012 - BAM Construct UK is to carry out a £9.5 million overhaul of the UK’s only academy specialising in careers associated with the marine environment. The contractor’s BAM Construction Western team has been awarded a contract to deliver refurbishment and new build work at Marine Academy Plymouth.
Working with architects Stride Treglown, BAM will transform the academy’s estate in two phases starting in July 2012, completing the main building for a September 2013 opening with exterior works ending in December 2013. The academy will remain operational throughout, and pupils will be able to use significant elements of the new facilities from November 2012.
Work will include remodelling the 1980s-built science wing and ICT suite; building a three-storey block to house a range of facilities, which will also be available for use by the local community, including a theatre and dance-studio; and demolition of residual buildings.
A key part of the brief was to re-orientate the focus of the buildings on the site, providing new contemporary elevations of both remaining and newly constructed buildings to give a more dramatic and inspirational view of the sea. This will provide an inspirational beacon for learning.
Marine Academy Plymouth specialises in the marine environment, with a focus on science and engineering. The new building will have capacity for 1,152 pupils aged from 11 to 18.
BAM’s construction manager Graham Kingdon said: ‘We are excited to have the opportunity to deliver a truly inspirational facility for students in Plymouth.’
Marine Academy Plymouth’s principal Helen Mathieson said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to be working with BAM and with the team which has worked through the initial stages of the design. Marine Academy Plymouth feels fortunate to have the expertise, experience and innovative practice of the award-winning constructors, BAM, to see through this radical programme of new build, rebuild and refurbishment which is so crucial to our community. The collaborative nature of the work done so far has ensured that a genuine sense of confidence and security is felt by the senior leadership here at MAP; I have total faith in the project manager, Graham Kingdon, to deliver the calibre of partnership working on site that will enable staff and students here to continue to drive forwards in raising standards and developing the academy to the full.’
BAM has carried out several projects for the University of Plymouth, including the Roland Levinsky Building and medical staff residences in Truro.