Royal Greenwich Trust School celebrates topping out of new extension

WEST SUSSEX, UK / AGILITYPR.NEWS / January 24, 2020 / Royal Greenwich Trust School (RGTS) has celebrated a major milestone towards completion of its £13.4 million extension and refurbishments project, funded by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, during a special topping out ceremony.

Built by construction firm Willmott Dixon on behalf of University Schools Trust East London, the BREEAM Very Good rated, 3,485sqm, three-storey extension features brand new classrooms, including science laboratories, a dance and drama studio, lecture theatre with retractable seating, food technology room, sixth form study area, a large multi-purpose atrium and four-court sports hall.

Construction of the state-of-the-art extension started in 2019 and is due to be completed in June 2020. The new accommodation will allow for an additional 450 students, taking RGTS’s pupil quote to 1,050.

During the event, which took place on Wednesday 22nd January 2020, guests from RGTS, Willmott Dixon, architect Astudio Limited, Mott MacDonald, Skelly & Couch, Lyons O’Neill and Gleeds were given a tour of the building. This was followed by speeches from Professor Peter Heathcote (Chair of University Schools Trust), Cllr Mick Hayes (Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich) and Adam Worrall (Director of Willmott Dixon London & South).

The event was attended by more than 30 people, including Cllr John Fahy (RBG); parent governor, Suzanne Tilbrook and University of Greenwich Trustee, Professor Karen Bryan.

Adam Worrall, Director of Willmott Dixon London & South, said:

"This is a key milestone for the project, which we will deliver to high standards and exacting quality. The completed extension will bring world-class educational facilities to the students at Royal Greenwich Trust School, enhancing the teaching and learning environments and improving educational opportunities in the Borough for many years to come."

Caroline Longhurst, Headteacher of Royal Greenwich Trust School, said:

“The new build marks an exciting and significant point in the school’s history. The new facilities will transform the educational experiences of our students and provide a much-improved working environment for our staff. The school is certain to go from strength to strength and we look forward to a bright future ahead.”

Cllr Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Community Safety at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:

“This exciting expansion project will improve the prospects of children and young people attending Royal Greenwich Trust School, giving them state-of-the-art facilities to help them reach their highest potential. It’s fantastic that Royal Greenwich has been able to enrich local pupils’ education opportunities by funding these school improvements.”

 Image caption: Royal Green Trust School celebrates topping out of its new extension. Please email harriette.conroy@pmwcom.co.uk

Headquartered in Letchworth Garden City, Willmott Dixon is a privately-owned contracting and interior fit-out group. Founded in 1852, it is dedicated to leaving a positive legacy in communities and on the environment. In 2018 it was one of only six companies to receive a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the promoting opportunity through social mobility category. The business creates value for customers, stakeholders and communities by working in a sustainable and responsible way to shape the built environment and make a positive impact on society's wellbeing.

Willmott Dixon is one of the UK’s largest privately-owned construction firms, and in 2019 won its third Queen’s Award for Enterprise, this time in the category of Sustainable Development.

The prestigious award recognised the company’s ethos to protect and nurture the environment alongside strengthening the wellbeing of communities through skills training, mentoring and volunteering work on community projects, something it aims to increase in Sussex.

Willmott Dixon has a significant track record in the London and South region. Projects delivered by the company include the University of Sussex Medical School and Medical Research building, University of Chichester Academic and Music buildings, Bohunt School in Worthing and Adur Civic Centre.