Covered
Covered
As schools continue to invest in all-weather outdoor spaces, one thing is becoming clear – the best designs aren’t just built to last, they’re built to adapt.
At Manor Drive Secondary Academy in Peterborough, that principle was put to the test in a spectacular way earlier this year. Like an increasing number of schools, Manor Drive had recently invested in a large all-weather dining canopy to ease pressure on indoor dining facilities, with the outdoor dining canopy that we designed quickly become central to daily school life. More than just a place to eat, it had evolved into a social hub, breakout learning space and valued events area.
But when plans to expand the main school building became necessary, the canopy found itself in the way. Removing it simply wasn’t an option. The space had become too valuable. So, a more ambitious solution was found…move it!
Working closely with the school, our team carefully dismantled and relocated the substantial 15m x 23m structure to a new position 300 metres away on site. The move required meticulous planning, from co-ordinating works around the school day to minimise disruption, to protecting surrounding surfaces, and ensuring every component was reassembled to perform exactly as before.
One week later and a seamless transition was complete, a much-loved facility had been preserved and space for the school’s future development had been unlocked.
Projects like this highlight an important shift in how schools are thinking about their estates. All-weather canopies are no longer seen as fixed add-ons, but as long-term flexible assets – multi-purpose spaces that can evolve alongside changing needs and deliver value not just for day, but for years to come.
If you’re looking to enhance your school site this year, why not get in touch with our expert education team today to book a complimentary site visit. If we can do this, who knows what could be possible on your site?
