A phased 18-month project at Canford School has ended with the successful completion of a “truly stunning” new-build library and refurbished assembly hall complex.

During the refurbishment of the assembly hall, chartered building firm Greendale Construction uncovered the original roof features and installed acoustic plasterboard between the metal trusses and timber purlins.

New seating was provided and balcony areas created, as well as an upgrade to the service installation.

An extension to the rear of the assembly hall houses a plant room and storage room.

The new-build library was constructed in place of the old shooting range, with a single storey glass foyer linking to the redesigned assembly hall which has a seating capacity for more than 750.

It means the entire school of pupils and staff can meet together, as well as offering a multifunctional space for events.

The new library consists of a steel works frame with block and brickwork external walls.

A large amount of curtain walling and glass was introduced to provide as much light as possible, together with external louvres allowing natural air movement.

The building has a traditional slate roof with leadwork and, internally, modern oak slatting, glass screens, exposed Douglas fir rafters and industrial concrete floor planks.

Chris Cave, pictured left, Greendale Construction’s Commercial Director, said: “This is a truly stunning project, with the new library offering pupils over 300 linear metres of open book shelving and a multimedia area giving access to multiple online resources.

“Breakout seminar spaces with video conferencing facilities will enable meetings both onsite and with schools and organisations across the globe.”

Canford School is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 13 to 18.