Derbyshire firm Wildgoose Construction has completed one project
and is about to embark on a second in a multi-million pound deal
for a borough council.
The Ashover-based company has transformed the former Kimberworth
Comprehensive School in Rotherham into a new £2.9m children's
services centre for Rotherham Borough Council and NHS
Rotherham.
Wildgoose has also started on site at a £3.4m My Place
Centre in Rotherham for Chantry YMCA and Rotherham Metropolitan
Borough Council.
Tim Walker, managing director of Wildgoose Construction, said it
had been a pleasure working again with the borough council and its
architects.
He said: "Their vision has transformed the disused Kimberworth
School into a building which will go on to serve the community in
its new role for many years to come.
"We are also delighted to have been chosen to deliver the new My
Place centre in Rotherham, which will give the young people of the
area a vibrant and exciting focal point in which to channel their
individualism and ideas and also provide additional employment to
the local community in both full-time and part-time
capacities."
He added: "The construction of both projects has allowed us to
give work opportunities to the community local to the sites as well
as placing material orders with Rotherham based suppliers, which
has given the local economy a much needed financial boost."
The children's services centre was completed in 40 weeks and
comprised internal and external repair, refurbishment and
alteration, including the demolition of a former caretaker's house
and former science block, excavation to create a road and
construction of a retaining wall.
The building will act as an office base for 15 teams and 170
staff who will deliver services to the children, young people and
families of Rotherham including:
• Learning Disability Services including Hearing Impaired
Team, Visually Impaired Team, Autism Communication Team and the
Special Education Needs Team
• A new Disability Short Break Facility
• Community Children's Complex Health Care Nursing
Service
• Physiotherapy, occupational therapists, speech and
language therapist services
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Ian Atkinson, children and young people's commissioning manager
for NHS Rotherham, praised the quality and professionalism of
Wildgoose staff.
He said: "From day one the quality and professionalism of the
Wildgoose staff has been clear to see, they have always been
willing to go that extra mile in order to meet our needs and as a
consequence this has led to us now having a modern fit for purpose
building, which will achieve all of our original identified
functions."
Andrew Parry, project lead from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough
Council, said the building had been transformed.
He said: "The works that have taken place have transformed the
building and site and myself and the clients involved are highly
delighted with the project. The finished product has surpassed
everyone's expectations where it has been a privilege to restore
such a grand building to its former glory."
The former Kimberworth Comprehensive buildings had been empty
for five years since the school and the nearby Old Hall School were
replaced by the new Winterhill School.
The My Place Centre will focus on social enterprise activity and
recreational activities.
An alternative curriculum will be offered to young people who
have been excluded from mainstream schools.
Connexions and Rotherham Children, Young People and Families
Voluntary Sector Consortium will also provide support on a range of
issues such as homelessness, sexual health and drug
rehabilitation.
The centre will also offer a range of facilities for youngsters
aged 11 to 19, including a graffiti room, IT suite, cinema,
performance hall and rooftop café.