The aim of the proposed refurbishment works is to provide flexible teaching space for the College to be able to accommodate its growing student numbers. We also provided options for external fabric improvements to improve the servicing and environment within the spaces to be fit for modern teaching, alongside proposals to reduce energy use of the building improvement running costs and efficiency.

The proposed design consists in the refurbishment and transformation of the existing workshop wing into a space dedicate to teaching use which can eventually be converted into light workshop & computer rooms if required. The layout presents a total of 8no. 50m2 classrooms which can be converted into a total of 4 light workshop/computer classrooms by opening of flexible partition walls, and demarcates the extent of the project’s layout flexibility The demolition of the existing nonstructural partitions allows us to reconfigure and rationalize the floor plan and create a defined circulation spine, off of which all classrooms have being designed. Such clear circulation is reinforced by the design of a full-length storage unit joinery which runs along either side of the corridor and can be used to access mechanical equipment as well as providing storage for the classrooms. Finally, a ‘unique’ exhibition corner has been created on the south end of the floorplan, which will be dedicated to showcase and display the work of the student

The Soho Centre refurbishment project forms another key part of CCCG’s Estate Strategy. This strategy aims to address London’s educational need by providing a portfolio of courses and services of technical, professional and academic education and training. The proposed works to create a new entrance for the building that promotes better connection with the surrounding Soho community as well as providing optimal measures for safeguarding of the College’s students and staff. The proposals also address the need to upgrade the existing windows to provide optimum thermal performance, solar control and ventilation strategy to promote successful, healthy education space.

The main educational aims for the Centre are:

• The new programs of higher technical and professional qualifications in Digital will enable the college to develop further programs such as the Bootcamp retraining program currently offered to retrain individuals in digital skills.
• Create new industry standard digital facilities including flexible learning environments and employer-designed spaces, creating spaces which the students can be proud of.
• Working directly with local digital sector and creative industry employers to ensure the refurbished building and curriculum meets their needs for a skilled current and future workforce.
• Building on CCCG’s innovative approach to delivering and funding adult skills provision by establishing a new program of lifelong learning for adult students, enabling them to enter and move between rewarding career paths.
• As has been seen from growth in learners at King’s Cross and Victoria Centre refurbishments, new modern facilities are a significant decision maker when choosing a college.

Creating an outward facing facility will encourage more close collaboration with employers and local stakeholders from the digital and creative sectors, to aid in the design and delivery of educational provision of the Centre. The proposed design consists of the refurbishment and transformation of the existing college building into a dedicated teaching space for applied technologies. The building will offer both spaces for bespoke digital skills training at an industry standard and spaces flexible for use in a typical classroom function.

The proposals can be summarized as follows;

• Creation of a new building entrance and arrival deck on the north side of the site facilitating level access from the street, a large-scale digital signage zone and introduction of greening.
• Re purposing of the existing main entrance into a secure rear entrance to provide new covered cycle storage, refuse storage facility and service entrance.
• Repair and maintenance of existing fabric including repairs to stone and brickwork, external escape routes and areas suffering from water ingress.
• Replacement windows incorporating heating and cooling strategy to the top lights.
• Creation of a new ‘townhall’ that serves as entrance reception, study area, event space and induction area.
• Upgraded mechanical, electrical and ventilation systems throughout including removal of redundant equipment, piping and ducting.
• Refurbishment of existing classrooms into bespoke digital