A Dorset building company is going back to class after winning a major contract with Canford School.

Greendale Construction Limited has now started work on the 13 month contract at the co-educational independent school, 

The chartered building company will be demolishing the existing Combined Cadet Force (CCF) armoury building, relocating an existing pump station and carrying out the new build construction of a 461 sqm library building.

The existing assembly hall building, adjoining the site, will be refurbished with new mezzanines for increased seating capacity to accommodate school assemblies, exams and events.

A new 119 sqm glazed link pavilion will provide a relocated entrance foyer and access to both buildings, together with art display and performance capability.

Chris Kane, Director, Greendale Construction Limited, said: “The new library facilities will be in a key location within the historic core of the campus and will be ideally located for accessibility for staff, students and visitors, with close proximity to car parking and other school buildings.

“The alterations and refurbishment of the assembly hall will provide a single space for the whole school to congregate at once and improve facilities for exams, lectures, exhibitions, assembly and chapel services.

“Greendale will be working alongside Design Engine Architects who are renowned for their striking building designs with the use of high quality and attractive materials.

“The library has been sensitively developed to sit within the historic context of the school building, whilst internally, the airy design allows provision for good light levels, all intended to improve the relationship between the student’s study space and the courtyard entrance, whether they are at the ground floor or the first floor mezzanine level.”

Canford School, which educates 650 pupils aged between 13 and 18, will remain open throughout, with Greendale ensuring minimal disruption to the staff, students and visitors.