11 Mar 2025
Approval from the Planning Authority and the Department for Education (DfE) has been secured for the replacement of Block B at Wigston College, a sixth form college in Leicestershire. This milestone paves the way for a modern, purpose-built facility designed to enhance the learning environment.
YMD Boon has been appointed as Lead Designers, Principal Designers, Contract Administrators, and Project Managers for the project, with R1 Construction appointed to deliver the build. The new single-storey facility will replace the disused two-storey building, which has remained vacant for a decade due to major structural defects.
Funded by a successful £2.26 million Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bid secured by YMD Boon, the new building will include six classrooms, group rooms, an ICT suite, and ancillary spaces. The funding application process involved detailed condition surveys, structural investigations, and feasibility studies to demonstrate the necessity of replacing the existing structure.
Designed by YMD Boon, the new building will complement both the adjacent modern leisure centre and recently upgraded college, further enhancing the college’s modern aesthetic.
This project follows the successful completion of a new science building at Wigston Academy, the neighbouring school within Wigston Academies Trust. After securing £1.5 million in funding to replace the aging science facilities, YMD Boon provided full design services and project management, collaborating closely with R1 Construction to successfully deliver the project.
Clare Lee, Associate Building Surveyor, commented: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Wigston Academies Trust to upgrade their facilities. Securing planning and DfE approval for this project is a significant milestone, and we are thrilled to see it move forward. Replacing the outdated block with a modern, high-quality learning environment will make a real difference for students and staff.”
The project has been competitively tendered, and R1 Construction has been appointed as the Contractor on the project.
Ben Tomkinson, Managing Director at R1 Construction, commented: "We are proud to be working on the redevelopment of Block B at Wigston College, a project that will deliver a brand-new, modern facility for both students and staff. This is an exciting opportunity for R1 Construction to showcase our expertise in delivering high-quality educational spaces. We are committed to ensuring the successful completion of the building to the highest standards and look forward to collaborating with YMD Boon and the college to bring this transformative project to life."