Rydon, the national construction group with a regional office at Pill, has been appointed to build a £10m community hub at a flagship housing development on the outskirts of Bath.
Construction work on the new primary school, children’s nursery and state-of-the–art community facilities at Mulberry Park will start this spring and the buildings are expected to open in September next year.
Mulberry Park, on the former Foxhill MoD site, is being developed by Bath-based housing association and housebuilder, where it has permission to build 700 homes.
Designed by internationally renowned architects BDP, the community hub will sit at the heart of the Mulberry Park development fronting onto a new public square.
Curo Homes managing director Gerraint Oakley said: “We’re thrilled to be working with such an experienced partner to bring the new community hub at Mulberry Park is one step closer. The development of these iconic buildings underlines Curo’s ongoing investment in the local community.”
Sussex-headquartered Rydon has a strong track record in and around Bath. It is currently building the new Abbot Alphege Academy on the former MoD Ensleigh site in Lansdown, as well as a new training and education facility for Norland College in Bath.
In Bristol its work has included the Engine Shed business innovation centre, which forms part of Brunel’s original Temple Meads station, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge visitor centre.
Rydon regional director Paul Barber said: “Rydon is committed to creating buildings that improve people’s lives and bring communities together so we’re delighted to be delivering this exciting new facility.
“To have the community hub on their doorstep will positively impact new residents and ensures Mulberry Park’s reputation as a desirable place in Bath to call home.”
Designed as a beacon for the local community, the striking buildings will be marked out from new homes by distinctive perforated copper alloy panels. Large expanses of glass will create light-filled spaces on the ground floor including a café, meeting rooms and multifunctional spaces. The cantilevered second floor of the hub building will be home to an enterprise area providing lettable space for a range of businesses.
The first pupils will start their education at the new school in Mulberry Park in September 2018, alongside a 70-place children’s nursery.
