CARDINAL NEWMAN COLLEGE

Introduction

Cardinal Newman College, a successful Catholic Sixth Form College in the heart of Preston, has unveiled a new outdoor space for their students. In response to Covid-19, the College wanted to create a new outdoor covered social space for their students with benches and planting which could be used in all weather. With the additional pressure on circulation space due to the pandemic, the external spaces needed to be more efficiently designed to accommodate small and medium groups of students throughout the year.

 We worked on the project with Flinders Chase, a civil engineering company based in Liverpool, to design the complex terrace improvement scheme.

With underground services plus the roots of protected lime trees to avoid, a specialist screw pile foundation solution to avoid pouring metres of concrete - and 4,000 students to navigate - the design includes reconstituted decking under a permanent canopy structure with steel seats.

The scheme was brought together within four months from design concept to completion.

 The coronavirus pandemic has shown how vital it is that students have safe spaces outside during their busy academic day. We are working with a growing number of schools, sixth form colleges and universities across the country to help them to create rich, vibrant and immersive spaces outside.

 Principal of Cardinal Newman, Nick Burnham, said: “The outdoor seating has proved very popular so far with students using it straight away, especially the large covered area, as it provides great shelter whilst the weather has been so unpredictable.

“It offers students a great alternative to the indoor social areas, particularly under the current circumstances, as it allows students to spend time on campus between their lessons in a safe and socially distanced way.

“We look forward to the warmer months, when I am sure we will get even more use out of the seating. The seating fits well into the surroundings, compliments our grounds and gives us even more opportunity to enjoy the beautiful campus.”