Britcon completes £720k accommodation building project in Bradford

Britcon, the building, civil engineering and structural steelwork firm, has completed the design and build of a new £720k accommodation building on behalf of Bradford City Council.

The project forms part of an extension to the outdoor learning centre in Ilkley, Nell Bank.

Standing in a 17-acre site, with the River Wharfe at its southern boundary and Middleton Woods to the north, the learning centre specialises in outdoor and environmental education amongst schools and community groups with the capacity to cater for all ages and abilities.

Conceived in 1977 by the then Lord Mayor of Bradford, Paul Hockney, as part of his Appeal, Nell Bank is now administered by Bradford City Council on behalf of the trustees of the Nell Bank Silver Jubilee Trust.

In response to expansion plans drawn up in 2014, Britcon was commissioned to provide a new facility to extend capacity for overnight accommodation at the centre.

Britcon has delivered a new dormitory block allowing space for 64 beds with living space and shower/toilet facilities. The firm utilised the Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) which is timber clad for maximum insulation and energy efficiency.

Ian Chapman, contracts manager at Britcon, said: “SIPS is a modern method of construction often used for domestic build projects.

“It is a highly efficient and eco-friendly system that will prove cost effective in the longer term and also looks attractive with a full height glazed feature incorporated to the entrance way to the stepped site.”

Dan Goodey, centre manager at Nell Bank, added: “We are delighted with the project, both inside and out. It has been challenging for Britcon due to the ‘live’ nature of the site and the need for continuity of learning from our part but the team has delivered an excellent new residential facility for the centre.”