In May 2022, Arcas Building Solutions completed a major expansion and school refurbishment at St Wilfrid’s RC College in South Shields, delivering new and improved spaces to meet the needs of a growing student community. The project blended practical upgrades with innovative design, ensuring the school can continue to offer an outstanding learning environment that is both modern and sustainable.
St Wilfrid’s, part of the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, has a strong reputation for academic achievement and community values. To meet the rising demand for places, the school increased its Published Admission Number from 220 to 250, which led to the need for additional classrooms and improved facilities. With funding from the Department for Education’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF), Arcas – a leading NE construction company – worked in close collaboration with the school and its partners to deliver a project that balances capacity, functionality, and environmental responsibility.
Delivering More Space for a Growing School
The £1.43m development, which began in November 2020 and was completed in May 2022, included:
- Six new classrooms to increase teaching capacity.
- An extended dining area for an additional 200 pupils.
- Enhanced circulation space and new staircases for improved movement across the school.
- Upgraded toilet facilities and improved accessibility to the first floor.
- Removal of outdated external structures, such as a covered walkway, to create a more open and functional site.
- Re-landscaping outdoor spaces with new hard and soft landscaping for both social and educational use.
This school refurbishment project not only improved facilities but also supported the school’s long-term growth plans, making it a valuable investment for students and staff alike.
Building for Sustainability and Innovation
As part of Arcas’s expertise in new build construction and sustainable building methods, the new facilities include:
- Solar panels and air-source heat pumps to harness renewable energy.
- Brise Soleil solar shading and a mixed-mode ventilation system to maximise natural light and air circulation.
- Energy-efficient lighting to reduce operational costs.
- A wildflower roof to promote biodiversity and serve as a teaching tool.
- An attenuation pond for sustainable drainage, wildlife habitat creation, and outdoor learning.
These features reflect the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust’s ambition to reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions, and create an environmentally responsible learning environment.
A Collaborative Approach to Educational Spaces
Working alongside the school, the Trust, and the professional project team – including Faithful+Gould and architecture firm Space – Arcas delivered a scheme that made the most of a tight site without compromising on quality or sustainability.
Executive Head Francesca Craik commented that “a lot of care and thought has gone into its design” and praised the team for listening to the school’s aspirations and delivering innovative solutions.
Shaping the Future of Education in South Shields
This project demonstrates Arcas Building Solutions’ commitment to school refurbishment projects that inspire learning and stand the test of time. By combining intelligent design, sustainable construction methods, and close stakeholder collaboration, Arcas continues to deliver high-quality educational spaces that benefit communities across the North East.
At Arcas Building Solutions, we understand that educational environments must do more than provide shelter – they must inspire, engage, and adapt to evolving teaching and learning needs. From design and build projects that create brand-new facilities to school refurbishment schemes that revitalise existing spaces, our approach blends innovation, sustainability, and precision project management. By integrating energy-efficient systems, modern fit-outs, and flexible layouts, we deliver spaces that are both functional and inspiring. As a trusted NE construction company, we are committed to shaping schools and colleges that empower staff, enrich the student experience, and support the future of education across the region.
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