Portslade Community College, Brighton

Portslade Community College in Brighton was the first school to take part in the Big School Makeover 2009.  The school had many areas which could have benefited from a makeover, however the Dining Hall was identified by the Head as requiring some particular attention.

Situated at the end of a long corridor, the dining hall is at the very back of the school.  As a result of its location and the fact that it was an unwelcoming and uninspiring room, students rarely went there to eat their lunch.  The Headteacher, Stuart McClaughlin, was keen to inject some life into the space and have the room functioning properly.

The Design

Following an engagement day with staff and pupils a design concept was created by Ryder Architecture and paint/colour advice from Dulux Trade.  Here’s what they had to say about the project:

Vibrant, Professional, Flexible.

The initial 'Oasis' theme has been applied primarily through vibrant colour choices as the palette explores watermelon reds, jungle greens and cool lime.  Supplemented by the pupils art work, this all combines to instill a sense of joy within the space. The inclusion of suitable pieces of furniture and fittings create a professional feel.  Acoustic Panels provide a design aesthetic but also absorb and regulate sound in a space that before suffered from high noise levels.  Combined with new, softer lighting, these fixtures help transform the room into flexible spaces to work, relax and eat.

Over 3 days of the makeover, the team from Willmott Dixon worked tirelessly on transforming the space into the concept.

Schools Minister Vernon Coaker took time out from the Labour Party Conference to visit the site and had some great things to say about the makeover programme in general:

The final reveal showed that with some great ideas and a lot of hard work, learning spaces really can be transformed.  See for yourself!

The Portslade Community College Big School Makeover took place between 28-30th September 2009

Many thanks to the following companies who also helped with the transformation:

Architects - Ryder Architecture 
Furniture - Thorpe Kilworth
Lighting - Thorn Lighting
Visual – Tektura
Acoustic panels –  Echophon
Panel fitting  - Drytek
Decorators - Brockville Builders & Decorators
Carpentry - N H Etheridge
M&E - LJJ
Ceiling Panel installation - Drywall Technologies
Waste Management - Focus Environmental
Plants - House of Plants

And to all the staff and pupils for being so accommodating.