Yarm School’s Music School and Boathouse have been named ‘Best Educational Building’ in England and Wales at the National Local Authority Building Control (LABC) awards held in London.
The Local Authority Building Control (LABC) awards celebrate the ‘creation of excellent buildings’ including outstanding craftsmanship, technical innovation, sustainability and high performance.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council submitted Yarm School’s development to the LABC regional awards which it won prior to being crowned national winner. The school was up against other regional winners in the country, including several strong university entries.
The state-of-the-art music school has helped enhance Yarm School’s already flourishing performing arts programme. The new structure houses specialist music classrooms, 10 instrumental tuition rooms, a drumming suite and a high-tech recording studio. There is also a 140-seat lecture theatre which doubles as a cutting-edge performance venue.
Alongside the Music School, Yarm School’s Boathouse was honoured for its ultra-modern architecture. It provides a first-class training base for rowers with stunning views over the river Tees and doubles up as a viewing gallery for rowing events.
Yarm School worked alongside Darlington-based Wharton Construction, Cleveland Land Services, Foden Spence Construction, Stockton Borough Council and Associated Architects to create the award-winning addition to the already spectacular school grounds.
David Dunn, Yarm School Headmaster, said: “The Music School and Boathouse have received many plaudits and we are delighted to have been recognised nationally at the LABC awards. The facilities have enhanced the school’s performing arts and sports programmes. We are delighted to be launching Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre Live screenings from the lecture theatre this January which are open to the whole community.”
“Yarm School worked in partnership with highly skilled architects and construction experts and we are pleased to share such a prestigious award with them.”
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Councillor Nike Cooke, added: “This is fantastic development. This not only demonstrates a great example of successful partnership working between Yarm School, Wharton Construction and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, but the ambition to create great buildings.”
Peter Wharton, Director of Wharton Construction, said, It is fantastic to receive acknowledgement for our professional approach and site management throughout the construction of the Music School, and in overcoming a number of challenges – such as a tight site, a busy school environment and an adjoining Grade II listed building.
“The Music School is designed to have superior sound proofing qualities by constructing the walls using an in-situ poured concrete system which were then hidden behind render and stone to create a functional and stylish building that we are very proud of, and hope that it will serve the school well for many years.
“We would also like express our appreciation to Alan Hodgson of Yarm School for his project management support during the construction process.”