BAM wins work on historic college refurbishment

Hemel Hempstead, 12 March 2013 - BAM has secured a contract on a significant refurbishment project of the historic London college that trained celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. The contractor has secured the preconstruction agreement for Westminster Kingsway College’s Grade II listed Victoria Centre.

The scheme will include renewal of roofs, windows and exterior brickwork across elements of the college built in the 1900s, 1930s and 1950s. This includes buildings designed by renowned English architect Harry Goodhart-Rendel. Works will also include relocating ductwork from a light well to a steel riser, creating a neater kitchen for students to work in as well as opportunities for further development of the facilities. The project is the first phase in a proposed major redevelopment of the College’s Victoria Centre. All works will be carried out while the building remains occupied.



Westminster Kingsway College offers courses in a wide range of subjects and is best known for its internationally recognised School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, based at the Victoria Centre. Former students of the Further Education College include TV chefs Jamie Oliver, Antony Worrall Thompson and Ainsley Harriott.



BAM Construction director Mike Donegan said: ‘We are delighted to be playing our part in rejuvenating this historic and famous college to better serve its present day users. We will be using our skills and experience to help restore heritage-protected elements of the building to their former glory.’



The contract was awarded through the Improvement and Efficiency South East (IESE) framework. BAM is just setting up on site, with completion scheduled for autumn 2013.



Westminster Kingsway College offers a wide range of full-time and part-time courses in central London with Centres in Camden and Westminster. It has about 14,000 students across all age ranges and offers 16-19 year old further education as well as a wide range of vocational, professional and academic courses for adults. www.westking.ac.uk.



Further information: Mark Slattery, press and media manager, BAM Construct UK Ltd, 01442 238415.