Mereside Primary

As Principal Group Architect for Blackpool Unitary Authority, a substantial proportion of the Capital Budget and investment focussed upon provision of improved and upgraded educational facilities and infrastructure. With the transient nature of the population within the town, and the economic challenges faced in the new century this was rightly considered a primary objective both at national and regional levels.

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At Mereside Academy, the initial aims were to create a physical, social (and emotional) link between the (then) 2 distinct areas of the campus. The desired outcome being to break down barriers as one progresses from the lower to the upper school. The existing layout evidenced 2 distinct and separate structure - one being a single storey building housing the primary (lower), with the other being a 4 storey 1960's cruciform block accommodating the upper school.

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The design proposed the introduction of a curved structure to link both elemments, with the nature of the form providing a 'soft' progression from one to the other. As a way forward beyond this phase, it was suggested that one could continue the form to the rear, creating a contained courtyard for breakout study, experiment and general socialising/play. This has now been realised and children of all ages learn and play together within the same spaces, reducing potential fears surrounding moving on up to "The Big School". In effect, due to the design, this process becomes an evolution rather than a large step.