Cassidy + Ashton unveils £800k Bolton School transformation

Architectural and planning consultancy Cassidy + Ashton has revealed the results of its £800k dining hall and kitchen revamp at Bolton School Girls’ Division.

The Preston-based practice worked with building firm Conlon Construction, which is also based in the city, to deliver a full refurbishment of the existing 600 sq m facility to increase its student capacity by 270.

Lawrence McBurney, an associate architect with Cassidy + Ashton, said: “The aim was to make best use of the space and refurbish to a high standard. The end result is the provision of a better dining experience for both pupils and staff.”

“It has been a pleasure working with Bolton School once again, with the project not only building on our excellent education credentials but forming a greater lasting legacy between the practice and the independent school.”

The 11.5 week project, commissioned by Bolton School, forms part of a wider improvement programme that has seen Cassidy + Ashton design its new £5m girls’ junior school and £5.2m infants’ school.

Further, Cassidy + Ashton provided designs for Bolton School’s £7m Riley Sixth Form Centre and extended its boys’ junior school.

Since then the firm has announced a number of contract wins, including a project to deliver store rebuilds and extensions across the UK for supermarket chain Lidl.

Conlon Construction chairman Michael Conlon commented: “Bolton School is one of the most well-known and highly respected schools in the North West.

“That, along with the heritage of the buildings and fixed-time constraints, made this one of the most challenging yet prestigious school projects we have delivered this year.

He added: “Rather than working whilst the school was operational, the whole refurbishment was undertaken during the summer holidays meaning a nice surprise for pupils as they returned to a superb new dining facility for the autumn term.”

Bolton firm JP Commercial Kitchens supplied refrigeration and catering equipment for the revamped facility.