Talbot Heath head secures the golden bolt on school build

In a special ceremony last week, Talbot Heath school’s head teacher, Angharad Holloway, screwed in the final golden bolt to the steels that have formed the framework to the creative STEAM Hub (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) – the school’s exciting new build.

This prominent new education centre has been designed by Western Design Architects, and Acheson Construction (www.achesonconstruction.com) began work on the build at the start of February this year, with completion set and ready for students in the summer 2019. The STEAM Hub will provide a state-of-the-art facility, equipped to support learners to thrive. It will offer local businesses access to innovative technologies and a flexible training, meeting and events space, supporting skills development and economic growth; it will also become a hub for specially designed programmes for local schools and community groups, encouraging STEAM skills development. Following the securing of the final bolt, the head was elevated 60m in a cherry picker to see the site from above. On dismounting Mrs Holloway said that it was, ‘’an exhilarating experience to see the building coming to shape and the vision being realised from up high; fantastic!"

Martin Goodman the Project Manager offered some interesting facts about the build: the 202 tonnes of steel for the framework went up in just 12 days (an average of 54 steels a day); 330 cubic metres of concrete and 3000 bolts have been used, and they have had 74 lorries removing excavated material (totalling 350 cubic metres).

Katie Cull, Acheson Construction Business Development Manager and Hilary Tawse, from the founding sponsors Volvo Cars Poole, alongside fellow founding sponsors Chris Rocker and Sarah Clifford, from Just Shutters, all came to watch the ceremony. They were joined by Colin Johnson, the Group Operations Director of Acheson Construction. He said:

“Acheson Construction are pleased to be working with Talbot Heath School to deliver this exciting new STEAM Hub which will provide collaborative and innovative working and leisure space for the school and the local community whilst enhancing Bournemouth’s education in technology and arts. Furthermore, we look forward to working closely with the school to help inspire and educate young ladies on the various career roles available in the construction industry.”

James Litton, General Manager at Volvo Cars Poole expressed his support: “Volvo Cars Poole are extremely excited to see the Big Dream of Talbot Health come to reality. We are very proud of our relationship and can’t wait to see the finished development; one which shares our passion for innovation, creativity and human centric ideas.” Chris Rocker, Founder of Just Shutters added, “Talbot Heath School's vision for the future is clear, different and very refreshing. Just Shutters were really inspired by Angharad's vision. Her ideas also made a great deal of common sense which sometimes in today's world can appear to be lacking. Just Shutters is delighted to be able to help sponsor something that will make a real difference not only now but for many years to come. What we all do now lays the solid foundations for the future and initiatives like this can only be good for all our futures“

To achieve its vision for education Talbot Heath is collaborating with business sponsors and Higher Education partners to create a interdisciplinary approach to learning. This will enable students to develop skills in design thinking, problem solving, collaborative work and adaptability. The school is working together with business to drive change across education and partnering with University College London to evidence impact and develop a curriculum that truly meets the needs of industry.