Wetherby Prep School expanding with two additional school buildings

rpa:group’s Architectural division has been appointed by City Axis to help deliver the expansion of London’s exclusive Wetherby Prep school for client, The Alpha Plus Group. Founded in 2004, Wetherby Prep’s intake has increased organically and now provides education to 325 boys in Years 3 to 8.

In September 2009 the school moved to larger premises at Bryanston Square. The expansion scheme will see it merge with a listed building that adjoins the existing school and will also include the complete conversion of nearby Hannah House, a 5-storey early 20th century commercial property, that will be transformed from 26,000 sq. feet of redundant office space, into educational space.

Refurbishing a Grade 1 listed building presents its own set of unique challenges. Not only did all proposed works need to comply with the stringent planning requirements of a building with listed status, but the structure itself was riddled with a dry rot problem, which had to be addressed. The works are being undertaken in two phases, with phase one requiring the conversion the basement into a dining room and kitchen. Phase two will see the upper floors developed into classrooms and ancillary rooms. Works are currently underway, with an expected completion date of July 2019.

Hannah House on Manchester Street, in London’s Marylebone, is a short distance from the school’s home at Bryanston Square and will also become an integral part of the existing school. The scheme requires various structural alterations and a complete interior refurbishment. The building will incorporate 20 classrooms, dining hall, kitchen, music rooms and a library, with works being undertaken in two phases.

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