29th JULY 2025  |  ADMIN

At PDiC, we don’t just optimise space — we unlock potential.

Chesterfield College engaged our team to repurpose four disused workshop spaces, with a clear directive: go beyond demolition and deliver a functional, inclusive, and sustainable support staff hub. Our multidisciplinary approach combined structural ingenuity with respect for the site’s industrial legacy.

What We Delivered:

✔️ Total Transformation
We began by clearing out old student workshops to pave the way for a bold reimagining of the space.

✔️ Structural Integration of Historic Gantry
A key feature of the existing structure was a 104-year-old rectangular Toroid gantry, originally part of the National Coal Board’s mining engineering infrastructure, the original owners of the building. Rather than decommissioning this element, we retained and structurally integrated it into the design. A bespoke infill section was fabricated and installed, spanning the internal void to enable the formation of a continuous first-floor mezzanine. This approach preserved the historic steelwork while enhancing the load-bearing capability of the structure to accommodate modern office use.

✔️ Smart Space Creation
We constructed new office spaces both above and below the mezzanine, maximising vertical potential and future-proofing the area.

✔️ Civil Engineering & Accessibility Compliance
To meet DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) requirements, we installed a fully enclosed passenger lift system. This necessitated excavation and construction of a lift pit within the existing slab, along with installation of new foundation pads to support additional mezzanine columns. All civil engineering works were undertaken in compliance with current Building Regulations and included coordination with the steel frame modifications to ensure structural integrity and access compliance.

✔️ Enclosed Facilities with Mechanical Services Integration
The refurbished layout includes both ground and first-floor office suites, a conference/meeting room with integrated mechanical ventilation (MVHR system), and a secure reception area. A reinforced secure storage room was constructed using enhanced wall and door specifications, designed specifically for the safeguarding and controlled storage of examination papers, in accordance with JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) standards.

✔️ Architectural Restoration & Daylight Strategy
Original window apertures, which had been infilled with brickwork over time, were reopened. New double-glazed aluminium units with powder-coated finishes were installed, matching the aesthetic of the existing envelope while improving thermal performance. These windows, set within restored art deco-style reveals, significantly increased internal daylight levels, contributing to occupant wellbeing and reducing dependency on artificial lighting..

The Result?
A seamless blend of the old and new — an inspiring, efficient, and fully compliant environment that empowers both staff and students.

At PDiC, we turn constraints into creativity, and spaces into solutions.

Are you ready to optimise your space? Let’s build something remarkable.

Contact us today at 01246 252315 to learn more!