Hammersmith girls' school to benefit from new buildings and refurbishment

Developers have received planning permission for the delivery of two new buildings and a major refurbishment at a girls’ school in Hammersmith.

Jestico + Whiles will deliver the ‘masterplan’ scheme at St Paul’s Girls’ School which it says has been designed in response to changes in the educational landscape which better support the wellbeing of pupils and staff, as well as retaining the charter of the school’s original Edwardian buildings.

The school’s main building, designed by Gerald Horsley between 1903 -1911, will be refurbished to make better use of the currently under-utilised lower ground floor, while two new buildings will replace a redundant swimming pool and gymnasium.

On the western side of the campus, Jestico + Whiles will build a two-storey, 1,240m² Centre for Design and Innovation, which will incorporate technology, design, and maker spaces which it says will inspire a new generation of female engineers.

On the eastern side, a three-storey, 1,110m² Staff Hub will be built to offer employees a more collaborative and agile working environment. An existing mezzanine level at the front of the school will be removed to enable the restoration of the building’s historical, original features.

Other works involve remodeling and refurbishment of the three principal levels of the Main Building to provide improved pastoral spaces for students including a wellbeing suite, together with upgraded teaching and administrative spaces.

Glazed links will join both the Centre for Design & Innovation and Staff Hub to the main building creating a continuous concourse at the lower ground level.

Ellis Whitcomb, Deputy Head - Director of Strategic Development at St Paul’s Girls’ School, said: “St Paul’s were looking for an architectural team that would listen and respond to the school’s specific needs and not impose a signature of their own.

“This masterplan is extensive, holistic and aspirational, addressing multiple challenging needs. Jestico + Whiles have exceeded our expectations and have been tremendous to work with. We are very grateful that we now have approval for the next phases in this very exciting building plan.”