Housing association and house builder Curo has appointed Rydon to build the new £10 million community hub at its flagship development, Mulberry Park in Bath.
Construction on the new primary school, children’s nursery and state-of-the–art community facilities will start in Spring 2017. The buildings are expected to open in September 2018.
Commissioned by Curo and designed by internationally renowned architects BDP, the community hub will sit at the heart of the Mulberry Park development fronting onto a new public square, within easy reach for residents of Combe Down and Foxhill.
Gerraint Oakley, Managing Director of Curo Homes said: “We’re thrilled to be working with such an experienced partner to bring the new community hub at Mulberry Park is one step closer. The development of these iconic buildings underlines Curo’s ongoing investment in the local community.”
Rydon brings a wealth of experience to the construction of the hub. They are currently building the new Abbot Alphege Academy on the former MOD Ensleigh site in Lansdown, as well as delivering a new training and education facility for Norland College in Bath.
Previous projects in the South West have included Brunel’s Engine Shed business centre and The Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre.
Paul Barber, Rydon’s South West Regional Director said: “Rydon is committed to creating buildings that improve people’s lives and bring communities together so we’re delighted to be delivering this exciting new facility.
“To have the community hub on their doorstep will positively impact new residents and ensures Mulberry Park’s reputation as a desirable place in Bath to call home.”
Designed as a beacon for the local community, the striking buildings will be marked out from new homes by distinctive perforated copper alloy panels.
Large expanses of glass will create light-filled spaces on the ground floor including a café, meeting rooms and multifunctional spaces.
The cantilevered second floor of the hub building will be home to an enterprise area providing lettable space for a range of businesses.
The first pupils will start their education at the new school in Mulberry Park in September 2018, alongside a 70-place children’s nursery.