Wates Smartspace to deliver a £1.8m expansion programme for St George’s College, Swaythling

Property services provider, Wates Smartspace, has been appointed to deliver a £1.8m expansion programme at St George’s College in Southampton, becoming the second project awarded to the business through Hampshire Council’s Intermediate Framework. The appointment will see Wates Smartspace expand St George’s College in Swaythling on behalf of Southampton City Council. Work will accommodate the existing 6FE (six forms of entry) school provision, including the refurbishment of existing spaces as well as building a new extension to the front of the school.

Work is expected to commence in spring 2022 and will also see Wates Smartspace engage with staff, students and neighbours to carry out a series of engagement activities to positively impact the local community.

The project marks Wates Smartspace’s second appointment through Hampshire Council’s Intermediate Construction Framework, which facilitates the efficient procurement of council and public sector building works valued between £1m and £4m.

The business is also delivering a £1.76m school refurbishment programme at Fair Oak Primary School on behalf of Hampshire Council, which includes the construction of a new reception area, administration offices and a new classroom as well as some external works.

As part of its work at Fair Oak Primary, Wates Smartspace has been joined by two project apprentices and has also engaged a number of Social Enterprises in the project’s supply chain. These include Recycling Lives, which leads charitable programmes to help rehabilitate ex-offenders.

Scott Camp, Managing Director of Wates Smartspace, commented: “The refurbishment and construction of new school buildings calls for a great deal of expertise, not just in creating practical and inspiring educational spaces but doing so with the utmost care and attention when working alongside live school environments.

“The team at Fair Oak Primary School have done an impeccable job, applying our stringent Covid-secure working practices while delivering an exceptional project for Hampshire Council. We look forward to replicating this success at St George’s College and playing our part in expanding this thriving learning environment for the young people of Southampton.”