Dudley College
SERVING UP A GREEN SOLUTION IN THE BLACK COUNTRY
An under-used space is now delivering an environment that is stimulating for users, the operator and the local economy- all achieved sustainably, and in a tight time frame- through an innovative approach by a commercial kitchen company.
Dudley College is in the process of creating a state-of-the-art learning facility, a key element of which has been the £½m refurbishment of the central atrium at its 75 years-old Broadway Campus, designed and built by CHR Equipment.
The new café and meeting space opened on enrolment day, having been completed in just the eight weeks of summer recess. The old refectory, kiosk, shop, coffee bar, toilets, lounge and retail area have been ripped out and replaced with a bright, light area believed to be one of the most sustainable cost sector catering kitchens in operation.
CHR’s solution focussed on bespoke equipment built-in modular blocks, self-venting ovens which accelerate cooking, hydrocarbon refrigeration, and LED lighting. The result enables contract caterer Redcliffe to efficiently deliver modern tastes, from Fair Trade coffee and Panini to champagne receptions, with a substantial energy bill saving. Further, half the budget was spent using suppliers within a 15 mile radius of campus, and 97% of the stainless steel materials used within were recycled.
Using a modular format enabled CHR to construct the kitchen and seating area within the tight time schedule, and also enables quicker and more effective cleaning down, with components to be easily re-used elsewhere on campus as the College develops.
Paul Neville, CHR Equipment Sales Director, observed, “Dudley College is setting a great example of how an under-used area can be efficiently turned into a facility that stimulates users, and thus improves the operator’s revenue stream
“It was an exciting project for us, as we proved we were more than able to create and deliver an integrated relaxation area, from initial design through to complete refurbishment, within time and on budget; historically we have been contracted only for the commercial kitchen.
Added Lowell Williams, Dudley College principal, “We want to encourage students to set themselves higher targets, and enthuse them. It is well known that an uplifting environment has a beneficial effect on aspiration and student behaviour. This new facility is setting the standard for the rest of the College estate, encouraging students to spend time in an area that was previously under-used, but is now becoming a thriving hub.”
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