University Technical College Lancashire – Science Lab Refurb

New build science laboratories

From inspirational science laboratories – complete with teacher walls, ICT workstations, and demonstration areas – to a prep room with considerable storage space, Innova Design Group has equipped the science rooms at the new technical college, UTC Lancashire, for a future of learning. The Grade II listed cotton mill has been completely transformed into a 21st century learning environment, fit for the North West’s first University Technical College.

The Brief

UTC’s are designed to bridge the gap between workplace and learning, creating a unique environment for learners age 14-19.

UTC Lancashire specialises in providing high quality technical training and needed facilities as impressive and forward thinking as the education it offers.  Ear marked for re-development the grade II listed building was in need of total renovation.

Working in conjunction with a fit-out consultancy, Innova’s brief was to transform the science laboratories, engineering and ICT suites into modern inspirational, versatile practical layouts which optimised the space and met the needs of staff, student and the curriculum.

The Solution

The successful combination of new contemporary furniture mixed with the old original features of the mill, including chimneys and original brick work, created a truly iconic learning environment set to inspire the future generation of learners.

Innova Design Group developed an electronics laboratory, prep room plus 5 new state-of-the-art science laboratories complete with teacher walls, ICT work stations and demonstration areas to compliment the original building and accommodate a broad range of teaching styles, classroom to group, collaborative work, theory and practical studies.

The installation of multi-functional central science hubs equipped with saw tooth benching and flexible tables suitable for group work provided students the professional space they needed and created the workplace feel the UTC was looking to achieve.

Laboratories were designed with Hot Corners fixed benching, pod style benching, a central hub and a practical collaboration space, allowing students to carry out experiments more efficiently, and to encourage team working. The Pod layout provides good circulation routes and offers safe, storage solutions.