Education sector offers plentiful opportunities for architects firm
Leeds-based Watson Batty Architects is enjoying a boost to its education sector portfolio with new instructions across the UK.
Since the Government committed to increase its allocation for upgrading schools, which includes £1.8bn for the 2024-25 financial year, Watson Batty has seen a surge in business which now accounts for 32% of total turnover.
It includes major new build projects for national contractors including Tilbury Douglas, ISG and modular building specialist Algeco UK.
Recent instructions include design and delivery for a new science block at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby and a new 1,200 place 11 to 16-year-old school for the Northampton School for Boys.
Planning consent was recently secured for a replacement school at Beacon Academy in Cleethorpes, Tees Valley SEND School, Leeds City Academy and works are due to start on a replacement building for Hempland Primary School in York.
Watson Batty is also working with the University of Leeds, Leeds Becket University and Loughborough University to provide several new specialist health, science, and engineering facilities.
Peter White, managing director at Watson Batty Architects, said: “We are a 48-year-old, award winning practice with considerable skills in all manner of projects across all built environment sectors.
“However, in recent years we have honed our ‘learning’ sector expertise in line with the Department for Education procurement strategy and formed strategic partnerships with a number of contractors to secure a strong pipeline.
“It is rewarding to see the growth of net zero carbon in operation projects in our education portfolio with a fabric first approach taking precedent.
“We see strong potential in delivering better educational facilities, and in particular much needed Special Educational Needs (SEND) provisions, nationally through upgrading existing stock and with the aid of modern methods of construction.
“Indeed, the recent £850m cash pledge by Government to improve accessibility for people with SEND is driving new upgrades to existing estates nationwide. Watson Batty is known for its specialist expertise in this area.”
Watson Batty designed The Vine SEND college for Leeds City Council with a challenging brief to support students with severe disabilities.
The now completed two-storey building allows students to access a broad curriculum and specialist spaces including rebound therapy, a physiotherapy suite, sensory rooms, hydrotherapy pool, and extensive life-skills centre.
Teaching areas contain hoists to allow students to freely access a range of spaces and easily transition between different activities.
At the end of last year Watson Batty revealed it was trading 10% ahead of its £3.3m turnover target, six months into its current financial year.
