Case Studies

Bailey Street Furniture Group supplies an extensive range of external furniture and cycle parking solutions for all new Secondary and Sixth Form School in Warwickshire.

The Setting

Kenilworth School & Sixth Form, the largest school build project in England as of its opening in September 2023. Situated in Warwickshire, this new school accommodates 2,200 pupils, a significant increase from its previous capacity of 1,700 students across two ageing 1960s-era buildings.

The Solution

The journey to this new establishment began in 2008, driven by the need to address funding cuts and the logistical challenges of maintaining two separate sites. The project involved extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the new school would meet the growing needs of Kenilworth's expanding community while maintaining its outstanding educational reputation.

The new school's architecture features five "finger" wings connected by a central spine, creating a spacious and open atmosphere. Each wing is dedicated to a specific subject and distinguished by a unique colour, fostering an environment conducive to focused learning.

The landscape design by Arup plays a critical role in enhancing both student and teacher experiences. Between each wing, mini plant gardens have been established, promoting creativity and providing a refreshing change of environment. These gardens are self-sustaining, with rainwater collected from the roof irrigating the plants, thereby supporting mental health and environmental sustainability.

Bailey Street Furniture Group was integral in outfitting the school's external areas, supplying an extensive range of external furniture and cycle parking solutions. Collaborating closely with Morgan Sindall, BSFG delivered functional and inviting outdoor spaces that support the school's mission of fostering a holistic educational environment.

Products Chosen:

Seating Solutions: Timber picnic seats, Hyde Benches/Seats, Dorset Benches/Seats, and Sussex Seats were installed to create casual seating and external dining areas. Curved concrete benches were also used to form a tiered podium seating space, which has become a popular hangout spot for pupils.

Cycle Parking: The Eastbrook Senior Cycle Shelters and Harrogate Cycle Stands were utilised to maximise available space and provide extensive cycle parking for students and staff, encouraging green transportation.

Safety and Protection: Door barriers were installed to ensure safety around playground entrances. Additionally, column protectors and stainless steel bollards were provided to protect EV charging points and delineate traffic, ensuring safe routes for pupils crossing the car park.

Outcome

The new Kenilworth School & Sixth Form has been well-received by the community, offering a modern and supportive environment for education. The thoughtful design of both the buildings and the landscape reflects the school's commitment to excellence and innovation. The enhanced outdoor spaces and extensive cycle parking not only promote physical well-being but also align with environmental sustainability goals.