Refurbishment Works to Main Building – King Edward VII Academy
Location: King’s Lynn, Norfolk
Client: King Edward VII High School
Value: £1,400,000
Role: Lead Designer, Contract Administrator
In 2021, Inspiration Trust assumed control of King Edward VII Academy, acquiring £3.2 million in funding. With an additional investment of £500,000 by the Trust, plans were put in place to carry out improvement and refurbishment works throughout the site. Russen and Turner, who have had a longstanding association with the school, were appointed by to fulfil the roles of Designer, Principal Designer, and Contract Administrator. Our responsibility was to oversee a six-month project aimed at refurbishing the three blocks that constitute the original listed building. The trust’s objective was to preserve certain traditional elements of the school while creating modern and innovative learning environments that would provide exceptional experiences for students studying arts, drama, music, and science.
Within A Block, notable additions include three exceptional new science laboratories, two new drama classrooms, a state-of-the-art drama performance studio, and a Music Department equipped with a music composition room and a keyboard room.
In B Block, which houses the Main Hall, all classrooms have undergone complete refurbishment, and the Main Hall itself has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur.
C Block has undergone significant redecoration and improvement works, particularly in the Sixth Form facilities. Additionally, students now have the privilege of utilising a modern new Library.
The project completed within the designated timeframe and under budget. As a result, Russen and Turner are now closely collaborating with Inspiration Trust to administer the remaining improvement works across the entire site.
“We’ve got the premises, and they look wonderful. I just can’t wait to see theatre productions, musical performances and great practical’s taking place in the science labs. The job has been fantastic”. Gareth Stevens – Inspiration Trust CEO
