Plymouth Grove PRU (Pupil Referral Unit), Manchester

Our brief was to provide a number of new specialist spaces within the existing building footprint of Plymouth Grove Primary School including 12 Classrooms, several time out and cool off spaces, administration areas and two halls catering for sports and creative performances.

The works involved stripping out all existing walls and floors to allow the team to treat any issues within the fabric such as an existing issue with dry rot.

New anthracite windows were provided to achieve a more contemporary look alongside extensive repointing of existing red brickwork and remodelling all external areas within the boundary.

The works also included ensuring the ‘new’ building was fully compliant with ‘Approved Document M’ to improve the ease of access to, and use of the building, including facilities for its disabled visitors. This involved fitting a new platform lift within the existing structure and upgrading all existing staircases.

After refurbishment the school was reopened as Bridgelea Pupil Referral Unit providing specialist teaching to pupils aged 9-11 with social learning difficulties.

In their new refurbished building, the two schools that previously operated from various buildings not fit for purpose now provide a unique environment for pupils to learn together. Cassidy + Ashton is proud to have worked alongside Manchester City Council to create this modern and inspiring learning environment within an historic landmark building in Manchester.