An historic Merseyside school will invest over £1m in upgrading its buildings this summer.
Merchant Taylors’ School, which celebrates its 400th birthday next year, is carrying out a full redevelopment of the dining halls and kitchens at both its boys' and girls' school sites.
The design-led, £1.25m scheme for the independent school in Crosby is being delivered by CDS Wilman alongside the school’s catering partner, Chartwells.
According to Merchant Taylors', the Williams Hall, which sits at the heart of the Grade II-listed main building of the boys' school, is also undergoing a "major overhaul".
Lynn Hill, finance and operations director at Merchant Taylors’ School, told BusinessLive: “The level of our investment over the summer reflects our determination to ensure that Merchant Taylors’ remains the finest school in the Liverpool city region.
“The majority of this work consists of one-off special projects that we feel are crucial if we are to fulfil our ambitions and continue to provide the very best environment and education for our students.
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“We are also proud custodians of this magnificent estate and its historic buildings, so we are working diligently to make sure that this legacy is not only protected, but enhanced, for generations to come.”
Merchant Taylors’ School was founded in 1620 by John Harrison, a citizen and Merchant Taylor of London, and remains one of the region’s most successful schools for ages from four to 18.
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The works will be led by Amspec, and will see a full refurbishment of the space, including new stage and audience furnishings, revamped flooring, enhanced lighting and internal redecoration.
Theatre specialist Torpedo Factory Group is also installing a suite of new high-specification audio-visual production technology, funded in part by the school’s Old Boys Association.
As well as that, the school is enhancing its fire alarm and detection provision across the estate.
The safety works, delivered by Sefton Arc, include the installation of a category L2 ‘Life Protection’ fire alarm system.
The school is also upgrading its IT infrastructure and revamping many of its student facilities ahead of the new autumn term in September.