London South East Colleges (LSEC) – Estates Strategy
Introduction
PMc were appointed in 2018 to prepare an Estates Strategy to produce a long-term plan to support delivery of London South East Colleges. Their estate at the time covered seven sites across London:
- Bromley;
- Orpington;
- Bexley Erith;
- Holly Hill;
- Plumstead;
- Greenwich Park; and,
- Kidbrooke.
The scope of the strategy involved analysing the size and condition of existing buildings, and identifying opportunities to to better meet the needs and expectations of current and future learners. This work involved considering options for the rationalisation and right-sizing of the estate to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, lever grant funding and generate revenue and/or capital receipts from surplus assets.
The resulting outcomes of the work entailed:
- the production of an interim report on the Plumstead campus to support a successful funding bid to the GLA which considered the College’s curriculum, education requirements and assessment of different development proposals;
- the development and assessment of eight development proposals for the Orpington campus together with Richard Hopkinson architects. Following assessment of these options and strategic discussions with the college senior team, we identified a subset of preferred options for which we carried out an outline financial appraisals and a review of potential delivery routes;
- the development of a zoning plan and short to medium term options for the relocation of curriculum offer from Orpington campus to Bromley campus including the review of existing curriculum, timetabling, and utilisation of teaching space.
- the review of the Holly Hill campus curriculum plan, its existing and proposed area to critically assess a College’s proposal and bid presented to dispose this campus and develop a new campus in Thamesmead to provide digital skills and technology-based solutions for the construction sector;
- Review of Bexley, Greenwich Park and Kidbrook campuses to identify quick wins and further opportunities to improve the estate condition, space utilisation and timetabling, the learning environment and the further development of the College curriculums.
