Revitalising Learning and Student Support Spaces at Marden Open Access College

SHAPE delivered the refurbishment of the Library Resource Centre and Student Services Hub at Marden Open Access College, located on a shared campus with Marden Senior College. The project revitalised existing buildings to create contemporary learning and support spaces for students and staff, including new library areas, administration workplaces, breakout and meeting spaces, and upgraded building services.

Key features included bespoke joinery and furniture, timber doors and windows, acoustic wall and ceiling linings, Bolon flooring, and new timber framing. Working within a live school environment required careful staging to maintain continuity for staff and students, with the project delivered across two separable portions.

Construction activities were coordinated around the school calendar, with disruptive works scheduled during semester breaks and out-of-hours periods. Early investigations identified latent structural conditions within the existing concrete and steel structure, requiring design adjustments and the introduction of new structural steel, while asbestos removal was safely undertaken during controlled timeframes to eliminate crossover with campus users. Regular coordination with the consultant team, DIT, and multiple stakeholders supported quick resolution of design challenges, including updates required to provide compliant access to mechanical equipment for maintenance.