Our facility at Open Road West Norfolk provides a state-of-the-art workshop and training facility to young people in King’s Lynn in need of alternative education.

We pride ourselves in our offering but are aware that our site could use some upgrades to keep up with demand and adapt our offering to the next cohort of students. Through the assistance of two individuals and their organisations, our refurbishment process has moved forward significantly.

Planning Ahead

Through the Chair of Trustees, we have been able to secure support from Will Smith, Chartered Architectural Technologist at Carlyon Architecture.

Will has produced a new layout design for our facility. One which makes provision for improved security at the main entrance, a welcoming ‘open plan’ reception area, first aid room and shower, new kitchen and laundry facilities and toilets which will be more functional and make it easier to manage behaviour and improve safeguarding.

Detailed  Cost Plan

Through Norfolk Community Foundation’s Pro Help initiative, we have been able to complete a detailed cost plan, based on Will’s design. Dale Bunting at REAL Consulting, a cost and project management company based in Norwich, was asked to provide a full project costing taking into account the level of wear and tear our students place on the building.

It was also stressed that fixtures and fittings would need to be robust and low maintenance. For example, through the inclusion of hard flooring throughout and wipe clean walls in the kitchen etc. REAL Consulting has subsequently provided a detailed cost estimate for the renovations at 17, Rollesby Road.

Immeasurable Support

Managing Director Martin Slater commented: “Having professionally prepared designs and a comprehensive list of materials and labour for each element of the work is a massive help with our efforts to bid for capital to fund the programme and without Will and Dale’s support we simply wouldn’t know where to start.”

A huge thank you to these amazing individuals for their efforts to make our refurbishment plans one step closer to a reality.