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Top Marks at Tonbridge

Tonbridge School appointed CM Parker Browne in 2005 to help develop their design concept, co-ordinate the architect selection process and project manage the construction phase of a brand new £11.2 million sports and media centre.

Tonbridge, one of the UK's premier league independent boys' schools, has long been associated with sporting excellence and the school was clear that the new centre should make a powerful statement about its overall values, combining academic excellence with cultural awareness and prowess in sport. The architects, Limbrick Limited, designed the building to engender a sense of community, to make it the hub for Tonbridge sport and be a magnet for parents and boys, a place to gather and socialise. The brief therefore included provision for a media centre and social area.

R.Durtnell and Sons began work on the 15-month construction programme in January 2007 and practical completion was achieved on time on 31st March, 2008.

The principal facilities include:

• Media Suite, comprising a control room, edit suite and studio
• 5-court sports hall, suitable for badminton, basketball, hockey and football as well as 5 lanes of indoor cricket nets
• A challenging climbing wall, that includes overhangs and natural features
• 25 metre 6-lane swimming pool, with depths varying from 1.2m to 3.0m
• Multi-purpose studio, suitable for martial arts, fencing and fitness classes or for functions as it is supported by a kitchen area
• A Fitness Suite offering a combination of aerobic and resistance equipment, together with free weights
• 8 group changing areas, together with separate pool and staff changing areas
• Café and terrace area, overlooking the athletics track and sports pitches
• A Bar with fantastic views to the surrounding fields
• Classroom adjacent to the Athletics Track
• Offices for administration, pool, athletics and fitness assessments, as well as a first aid room

At practical completion, Tonbridge School's Bursar, Ray Hart, OBE JP, expressed his thanks to CMPB and the Project Team for all their hard work and for delivering a facility, of which the school will be extremely proud. In a recommendation to another independent school bursar, Ray Hart said:

"I cannot speak too highly of Robert Ebdon and the service he and his staff have given the school. I took over an excellent £11m project on Monday, exactly on time (to the day!) and, as far as one will ever know awaiting the final account, on budget: what more needs to be said?"

 

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