Breaking Ground

Work has begun on the exciting £2.3M project at Chatham Grammar in Kent. The ground-breaking went ahead this week on the build that is set to make huge improvements to the learning conditions at the Academy and is expected to be completed by November 2020.

The government funded project will provide a new teaching block at Chatham Grammar, replacing three existing outdated buildings currently on site. These proposed plans are now underway and promise to provide the Academy community and other stakeholders with new purpose-built innovative spaces for learning.

The plans comprise of the construction of a two-storey standalone building to accommodate eight classrooms and associated facilities in full compliance with Building Bulletin and Building Regulations.

The design is of a contemporary style, enhancing the local surrounding areas of the Academy. The new building will create an outstanding, stylish and modern introduction to the Academy for all visitors, and will also provide an exciting teaching space for both students and staff.

Funding for the scheme was secured through the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) that provides eligible facilities with the financial backing they need to make vital changes and improvements. Munday + Cramer worked with the Academy to develop a successful CIF bid application. This submission focused on the more dilapidated areas of the Academy to highlight the opportunity to develop a new replacement block that will serve the school well into the future.

Munday + Cramer will be managing the project through to completion alongside contractors, New World Builders Ltd, who will be working on the construction of the new building. 

Karl Curnock, Project Manager from Munday + Cramer says, “We are very happy to have broken ground on the Chatham Grammar build.  We have worked on this project from the start of the proposal, through the application process and we are excited to see the difference the facility can make to the education for these young people and their families”. 

Judy Rider, CEO of The University of Kent Academies Trust says, "I am really pleased to see much deserved investment in new teaching facilities, at the growing and popular Chatham Grammar. The new buildings are yet another marker in the vibrant and transformational journey of the Academy since it came under the strategic leadership of the University of Kent in 2017, and signals a new phase in CG’s hundred year old history, complementing the significant rise in standards and achievement placing it in the top of the Medway Grammar School league tables".

Joining the University of Kent Academies Trust has been pivotal in paving the way forward for Chatham Grammar to become the most popular and oversubscribed grammar school in Medway. The masterplan for growth and expansion continues with a new modern stylish outdoor catering facility that will be built later this year (requested by the students), and the exciting proposal to be part of a new medical hub working with the Lead Sponsor, the University of Kent.  The new medical hub will offer UKAT students bespoke learning pathways into a variety of medical professions.