Kirklees College, Pioneer House
Multifunctional spaces and brand-new college furniture create an enhanced education experience at the Pioneer Higher Skills Centre in Dewsbury.
Pioneer House – Kirklees College’s Higher Skills Centre in Dewsbury – was selected as part of a local initiative to enhance learning environments in the area. The £14 million restoration and refurbishment project aimed to transform the historic Victorian Grade II Listed building into a state-of-the-art further education facility.
The brief
Kirklees College’s goal was for Pioneer House to become a leading educational facility by transforming learning and social environments throughout the Dewsbury site.
Leaders at the college needed flexible spaces to accommodate different learning styles, using stylish college furniture to create a mature and modern environment.
Our approach
The Richardsons team liaised with the Facilities Team at Kirklees College to create spaces designed around flexibility, collaboration and accessibility.
To achieve this vision, we:
- Used modular college tables and movable partitions to make it easy to customise teaching spaces for different learning activities.
- Created group study areas throughout the college (with power outlets and large screens to incorporate technology).
- Included wide pathways and adjustable seating to make spaces accessible for all users.
The result
Kirklees College’s refurbished Dewsbury site is now an innovative and inspiring space centred around supporting students to fulfil their educational potential.
Focused study zones
Comfortable seating, college desks and soundproof booths facilitate focused, distraction-free study and maximum concentration.
State-of-the-art vocational environments
Professional-standard vocational facilities give students an enhanced environment for developing specialised skills.
LRC for digital literacy
Dedicated LRC areas equipped with interactive whiteboards, new PCs and charging stations create opportunities for digital collaboration.
Pot Black Snooker Club
Comfortable and relaxed social spaces foster collaboration and offer an increased sense of community across the college.
The impact
Due to the extensive redesign of key areas across the college, Pioneer House in Dewsbury can now be proud of its state-of-the-art college environment. Incorporating modern technology and furniture with Grade II character has created a unique space sure to draw in college students from the surrounding areas and support them to achieve their potential.