Engineering and Life Sciences, Chesterfield College
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Summary
An innovative hub for sustainable engineering and science
The project involved the creation of a new facility to support the Engineering and Science curriculum, delivering an energy-efficient building aligned with the College’s ambitions to reduce its carbon footprint.
2,450 m2
new build
2,000 m2
demolition
1,600 m²
teaching and learning space
Energy efficiency and sustainability
The new facility has been developed to reflect the curriculum offer, utilising a fabric-first approach that delivers energy and carbon savings while maximising value for money. A major emphasis of the curriculum offer is the development of sustainable technologies and engineering practices in response to the urgent climate crisis and the 2050 Net Zero target.
Facilities
Facilities within the building include an advanced engineering lab, electrical installation workshop, electric/hydrogen vehicle workshop, 3D print and prototype workshop, science laboratories, general teaching and ICT suites, and social learning and collaboration spaces.
Demolition and green space creation
As part of the works, the existing North Block 1 building and a further temporary structure were demolished following completion of the new facility. This removed Category C/D accommodation from the site and enabled an area of green space to be created in its place, replacing that lost through the construction of the new development.
Considerate Constructors Scheme - outstanding performance
When assessed by the Considerate Constructors' Scheme, the site achieved two maximum 45/45 scores as well as best practice recognition.
The site team was awarded a Gold award for their commitment to best practice in three categories: Respect the Community, Protect the Environment, and Value the Workforce. The team’s recognition underlines Robertson’s wider commitment to safe, respectful and sustainable site practices.
£95K
Spent on local supply chain
270
Weeks of apprenticeships
£100,124
Donations to local community
£6.5m social value delivered
From the outset, the project team set out to embed social value into every stage of delivery, ensuring that the benefits extended well beyond the site boundary. All agreed social value targets were achieved, with several exceeded, generating over £6.5 million in social value and leaving a lasting, positive legacy for students, staff and the wider Chesterfield community.
- £6.5m total social value delivered
- 28 local full time jobs created
- £6.3m spend with local SMEs (within 30 miles)
- 270 apprenticeship weeks
- 73 hours of volunteering
The quality of the work, alongside the strong approach to health and safety, social value and community engagement, has been excellent. Both Social Value and Employment and Skills activities have been fantastic and highly beneficial to our students and the local community.
Procurement route
The project was procured through the YORbuild3 Medium Works framework. Robertson Construction works in partnership with YORhub to deliver projects over £4m and up to £10m helping local authorities and other public and third sector organisations in the Yorkshire and Humber regions to deliver construction projects efficiently and collaboratively.
Design visualisations
Project team
Architects: Bond Bryan Architects
Project/Cost Management: Edge
Landscape Architects: Bond Bryan Landscape
Civil / Structural Engineers: Watermans
Mechanical & Electrical Consultants: CPW
