MEB Design - Hoe Bridge School, Performing Arts Centre & Dining Room

Project Details

Project - Hoe Bridge School, Performing Arts Centre & Dining Room

Sector - Education

Technology - Timber/CLT

Company - MEB Design   

Project Overview

MEB Design were appointed by Hoe Bridge School for the Dining Hall Extension project following it being identified as a development project in the school's masterplan prepared by MEB Design in 2013. This was the third project following the previously completed Chapel Redevelopment and Pre-Prep projects.

The project involved the refurbishment and extension of the existing kitchen and dining hall which lies adjacent to the grade II* listed 17th century mansion, Hoe Place. The project comprised a new cross laminated timber space with a glazed link back to the original hall to form a large open space which can be subdivided with the use of a sliding stacking partition.
The reconfigured kitchen spaces and layout allowed the school to move to a more efficient 'servery' style system. The new pitched roof building gives a fantastic new performing art centre facility as well as the possibility for use for other school functions.

A successful relationship between the main contractor, M&E, structural engineer, CLT engineer and client team allowed a short construction period and ensured the completion ready for the September school term.
The building was officially opened by X Factor's Dermot O'Leary on the 14-October-2020. Below is a extract of the Headteacher Chris Webster's speech at the opening.

"The designs of this building have looked stunning since day one, and when it came to the tight timing of the build we were never in doubt that the keys would be handed over and doors opened for the children for the Autumn term 2019. I hope you will all agree the quality oozes out of all aspects of this development. I would like to thank the multitude of organisations, in particular; MICA, MEB Design, Wilcox Burchmore and our very own facilities and catering teams for the work they have done. They have helped fulfil our vision of a building with the highest specification which is centre of joy and fulfilment for so many of our children."

Find further information on MEB Design on their website: www.mebdesign.co.uk