WORCESTER’S Christopher Whitehead Lanuguage College (CWLC) and sixth-form will receive almost £1million which will see it get a world class performing arts and music centre with an iconic bell tower.
One Creative Environments Ltd (One) has revealed £750,000 of private investment has already been secured for the development, just weeks after planning permission was secured.
The news was announced during MIPIM, the world’s leading property market in Cannes, where One is a senior partner with the Midlands-wide delegation, Midlands UK.
The purpose-built creation will provide a wealth of opportunities for students and the additional bell tower is being privately funded.
It means Christopher Whitehead will be the only state school in the country to have a centre of such quality.
A ‘sponsorship’ package and promotional document are being developed, along with a tender pack to Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for this exciting £5million project.
The remaining private investment of just over £4million will now be sought and meetings have been taking place at the global property and real estate show in France.
The contemporary and innovative building was fully supported by the planners for its sustainability principles and the building was inspired by the movement of dance and how a dancer can be held effortlessly in the air.
The weight of the bells are disguised in an elegant bell tower structure that people walk underneath, now affectionately known as ‘the ballerina tower’.
A range of measures have been put in place in consideration of the local area: through intelligent building design with sound proofing and roof louvres that remain closed during teaching, restricted teaching times and the sound will be controlled by physically ‘muffling’ the bells so that the chime can only be heard by the students through the use of a computer and headphones.
The bells will only be allowed to ring audibly to celebrate special local and National events, under the supervision of experienced bell ringers, for 12 days a year for an hour on each of this occasions between 10am and 6pm.
The centre will see music, drama, dance and vocational studies held there, helping students learn about the business.
There is also a radio station, booking office, hair salon, small kitchen and servery. Marketing events will also provide opportunities for students to understand more about business promotion.
And bell ringing will be taught in the bell tower meaning the iconic entrance will also have a practical use. A viewing platform and opaque screening glass in the tower will offer stunning views of the Worcester landscape, including the historic cathedral.
CWLC headteacher Neil Morris said the entire centre would make an incredible difference to the students and the breadth of what Christopher Whitehead could offer.
“Our school motto is ‘In Pursuit of Excellence’.
“We believe students should have every opportunity to learn and we aren’t afraid to provide a unique offer to benefit our students.”
He added it would build on the college’s language status as one of only 30 schools in the UK, and one of eight state schools nationally, identified to teach Mandarin, Chinese – the most spoken language in the world.
He appreciated the enthusiasm and commitment showed by private investors.
Mark Martin, Director of One Creative Environments Ltd. and the designer behind the building, said he was delighted by the response from the private sector, adding it was another wonderful educational project for One to be involved in.
“We are developing ‘sponsorship’ options, however, this investment has been secured even before the formal funding process has begun which is great news.”
“This is another wonderful educational project for One to be involved in.
“We are now looking forward to many more productive meetings this week including meeting those who may be interested in investing in this iconic, new building which we believe is a great investment opportunity that will inspire future generations.”
Visit www.christopherwhitehead.co.uk for more on Christopher Whitehead and www.oneltd.com for more on One.
