Baart Harries Newall have been engaged in the extension and remodelling of Shrewsbury Sixth Form College since 1995, having won the initial commission through a process of competitive bid and interview.
The initial phase was for the conversion of Mercian House, a former builders merchants, into the new Library, Business and information Centre. The existing library was then converted into teaching accommodation.

Subsequent investigations included a feasibility study for a new sports hall, and utilisation studies of existing buildings and the site generally.

Attention was eventually focused upon the existing warehouse at the rear of Mercian House, as the only opportunity for the college to create a significant area of new accommodation: with the flexibility to provide conventional teaching, open learning, IT based self study, and university linked life long training in literacy, science and the arts.

Early studies established the feasibility of retaining the existing structural frame and floor slabs, and replacing the external envelope to enclose a large internal volume. Within this environment a landscape of abstract forms creates a village of buildings, galleries, stairs, towers and courtyards.

Enclosed teaching and seminar rooms form the cellular buildings, while the lift and main stair form the towers of the village. Open galleries provide flexible study spaces with IT connections throughout. Ground floor spaces are overlooked by the galleries, providing further study spaces and the opportunity for viewing performance in the round.
Large areas of roof glazing admit light into the space, and the glazed, south facing façade allows direct sunlight to model and enliven the interior.
The roof is clad in silver Kalzip, and the front façade is modelled with low e curtain walling and insulated render panels to form the external balcony.