EASTLEIGH COLLEGE – BLOCKS G, B & F

Client

Eastleigh College

Value

£7.6M

Location

Eastleigh, Hampshire

Project Overview

Three projects providing millions of pounds in cost effective procurement.

Over a four-year period, we delivered three major projects for Eastleigh College at their Chestnut Avenue campus in Eastleigh, totalling more than £7.6 million in investment.

The programme began with Block F – a competitively tendered Design & Build project – and evolved into a wider partnership that included the concurrent delivery of Block G (Advanced Technology Centre) and Block B (Sports Facilities Refurbishment & Extension).

Block F – Three-Storey Teaching Facility (Completed November 2016)

Block F was funded in part by a £4 million Local Enterprise Partnership award and provides modern vocational teaching accommodation for:

  • Art & Design
  • Hair & Beauty
  • Financial Services

The building is brick and copper-clad, with intricate solar shading to the southern façade, creating a contemporary and distinctive addition to the campus.

Block G – Advanced Technology Centre (Completed March 2017)

Block G is a two-storey, steel-framed teaching building with brickwork and cladding façade and a high-end curtain walling system. Designed to support the College’s expanding technical curriculum, it houses:

  • Electronics laboratories
  • Inspection and testing workshops
  • IT teaching rooms
  • Test suites and CAD rooms

The building is highly M&E intensive and incorporates photovoltaic panels and a rainwater harvesting system to support long-term sustainability.

Block B – Sports Facilities Refurbishment & Extension (Completed March 2017)

Block B comprised the refurbishment and single-storey extension of the existing sports facilities, providing improved fitness and recreational space for students and staff. The project was shortlisted for a RIBA South Award, achieving Highly Commended status, and also received a Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Award.

“All three projects have been delivered on time within budget and to a high standard; we would like to say a huge thank you to Amiri and everyone involved. We are thrilled and so proud of the new facilities; they provide an excellent learning environment for our students who will enjoy the use of them well into the future”

Dr. Jan Edrich

Chief Executive & Principal, Eastleigh College

Key Challenges & Solutions

Budget Management & Value Engineering: At tender stage, Block F was more than £1 million over budget. Our proactive value engineering approach was central to the project’s success. We presented a range of alternative material and design specifications, carefully balancing cost efficiency with the College’s vision. Our open-book approach provided full transparency, ensuring the client had confidence in cost decisions throughout the programme.

Delivering Multiple Projects Concurrently: Early progress and collaborative working on Block F led to the negotiated award of Blocks G and B. Running all three projects concurrently delivered:

  • Programme efficiencies
  • Reduced site set-up costs
  • Streamlined management and logistics

This approach saved both time and money for the College.

Complex Site Logistics: Block G was located behind Block F, creating restricted access challenges. The primary route crossed the existing compound and formed part of an emergency escape route.

To overcome this:

  • Site cabins were relocated to maintain safe passage
  • Access routes were regularly tested during construction
  • Careful sequencing ensured safety and operational continuity

Live Environment Working: All works were delivered while the College remained fully operational. Regular weekly design and progress meetings included department heads and the Estates team, ensuring active end-user involvement in decision-making. Frequent site walkarounds allowed staff to monitor progress and understand how value engineering decisions would impact aesthetics and functionality.

Key project stats

94%

of waste diverted from landfill

Shortlisted

2019 – RICS Awards

Winner

2018 – Education Estates Awards

Project Outcomes

The completion of Blocks F, G and B has transformed the Chestnut Avenue campus, delivering high-quality teaching, technical and sports facilities that support the College’s expanding curriculum and student experience. Through collaborative value engineering and transparent cost management, we successfully delivered the development while maintaining architectural integrity and functionality.

The strength of the working relationship led directly to the negotiated award of subsequent phases, demonstrating the client’s confidence in our approach. The programme also received external recognition, with Block B achieving Highly Commended status at the RIBA South Awards and earning a Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Award.

Beyond the physical buildings, the project reinforced our long-term commitment to the local community. Over four years on site, we actively supported apprenticeship initiatives, donated surplus materials to college trade departments and participated in charitable activities, ensuring the impact of the development extended well beyond construction.