Bournemouth and Poole College

After nearly 30 years, our team were delighted to return to Bournemouth and Poole College. As part of a collaborative team, we worked together to futureproof this built heritage asset, carefully preserving the college building, which is part of the renowned, higher education learning facility.

Our initial drone imagery confirmed specific construction detailing, informing our site methodology, health & safety, and logistics planning. Our specialist work required careful planning and collaboration, and we committed to minimising disruptions to campus life whilst work was undertaken.

Stonewest undertook detailed, area-by-area, fingertip condition surveys, to produce a fully quantified schedule of repairs with priority ratings, to inform the overall cost plan for the project. Many of the highly detailed elements of the building had suffered from wind and water erosion, due to the seafront proximity.

We partnered with local stone suppliers, matching the original materials used in the building’s construction. We completed a major programme of conservation and masonry work, including considerate cleaning and facade repairs and like for like replacements.

Replicating the original detailing, we replaced sections of column drum stones and capitals of the iconic Clocktower on the West Elevation. Replacement column units were produced on a stone lathe and installed on site by our masons. New capitals were hand-carved by our stonemasons and carefully installed at the top of the columns.

We also replaced detailed Tudor Rose sections, representing tradition, pride and history, on the building’s historic facade. Eroded and weathered beyond repair, our team laser scanned and recorded its original details, to create an exact replica. The piece was carefully hand-finished by our skilled masons, before being reinstalled. Perfectly blending modern techniques with traditional craftsmanship.