Next generation science-hub planned for Christ College Brecon

Christ College Brecon has (today) announced plans to invest in the next generation of scientists with a £1.5 million purpose-built science centre.

This project will aid the continued development of young scientists, building on the independent school’s existing facilities and a hard-earned reputation for producing distinguished scientists.

A new two-storey building will be added to existing facilities, and will house a number of new hi-tech labs and teaching spaces. The scheme will be built by off-site construction specialists, Yorkon. This more innovative approach to construction will minimise any disruption to teaching and will guarantee completion of the project on time and on budget.

Mindful of the school’s unique location in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the design by P+HS Architects will feature a number of sustainable measures and local materials, such as Welsh stone and local timber cladding.

Final on-site construction and fit-out will be completed in time for the 2008/09 academic year.

Head of Christ College, Emma Taylor said: “I am thrilled to be bucking national trends by investing in a new science facility of this quality at a time when young scientists are becoming something of an endangered species. The sustainable design of the building is important not only environmentally but educationally too, as pupils will be able to see features such as re-use of water and solar heating at first hand. Yorkon have been wonderfully innovative partners in the process and we are also grateful for guidance from the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.”

This investment is the latest in a series of developments at Christ College since receiving a £4 million bequest from a former pupil. The windfall was due to the generosity of Old Breconian and pharmacist, David Hubert Jones, from Glanaman in Carmarthenshire, who wished the money to be spent fostering a future generation of scientists.

Steve Maggs, Director of the Christ College Foundation said: “The Hubert Jones Legacy is not only providing a significant proportion of the capital needed to develop the new science centre. It has boosted our endowment and is therefore enabling Christ College to provide even more scholarships and bursaries, making Christ College more accessible and affordable for families of able and talented pupils who want to study in our superb environment. This is a clear demonstration that Christ College is playing a full part in producing outstanding young scientists and engineers, teaching them in 21st Century facilities, as well as demonstrating its continued commitment to its charitable aims and objects. After all, Christ College was founded in 1541 by a charitable act, and we remain true to those principles today.”

Christ College has an Open Evening on 7th May between 5.00pm and 7.00pm when visitors will be able to see plans of the new science centre.