VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM SAVED BY WESTON COLLEGE FOR £1.64 MILLION

 A stunning Victorian architectural gem which has cost Weston College £1.64 million to completely refurbish officially opened its doors on Wednesday. (Feb 22).

College Principal Dr Paul Phillips, OBE, received the keys to the 1892 Grade II Listed Hans Price School of Art and Science in Lower Church Road which has been transformed into a 21st century conference and event facility.

Dr Phillips said: "Weston College has been an important part of the local community for more than 150 years and this beautiful building is a showcase for us as one of the top performing colleges in the region."

Contractors Bray and Slaughter began work on site alongside Arturus Architects in April 2011 and the intensive refurbishment was completed in December.

Specialist stone masons, carpenters, joiners and engineers were drafted in to re-structure the cramped internal layout into large spacious rooms over three floors and replace all mechanical and electrical services.

Weston College Executive Director - Commercial Services, Linda Burlison, said: "It was important the refurbishment was sympathetic to the original design and we have incorporated many original features.

"Stonework and tiling have been restored, while impressive stone pillars, archways, woodwork, roof beams and window handles have been retained.

"Everyone is delighted with what has been achieved and the wonderful conference and function facility this will now be for the College."

Bray and Slaughter's Contract Director Lawrence Slade said: "Successfully delivering this project has been extremely challenging, taking into account the complexity of the internal structural works and historical significance of the building combined with such a fast-track programme.

"After a huge effort and commitment by all involved, the transformation of Hans Price Building into a state of the art Conference and Events Centre for Weston College has been a major success and we are proud to be part of the team that facilitated its return to use as an education and learning facility."

The building is already being used by students and staff. The ground floor reception area will incorporate an art gallery while the first and second floors can accommodate a variety of uses including classrooms, meeting rooms and conference and events facilities.

Architect Hans Price (1835-1912), was regarded as an eclectic architect, combining Classic with Gothic, Moorish and Flemish styles using grey Mendip limestone decorated with pale yellow Bath stone and incorporating lots of individual details.

He was responsible for many treasures in the town during the Victorian era including the Town Hall, public library, Walliscote School, Weston Mercury offices, the former hospital and Birnbeck Pier head buildings.

He was also behind the beautiful buildings on Clevedon Pier and nearby Royal Pier Hotel and the former market hall.

* Anyone interested in hiring the new conference and events facility should contact Jill Clarkson at Weston College on 01934 411581.