The following Press Release was issued on 17th October 2002 by the Derek Hicks & Thew Partnership, architects:

The Liverpool Blue Coat School

On 2nd September 2002, following approval from the Department for Education and Skills works commenced on the £8.7 million redevelopment of the school facilities which are scheduled for completion in May 2004.

The phased works include the following works phases:

Phase One: Conversion of existing Library and Old Blues Library into new sixth form accommodation, including study space, common room areas and office areas. Works are due for completion in November 2002.

Phase Two: Construction of new build facilities including, 10 new science laboratories, new sports facilities, new design technology classrooms, new dining facilities, new staff facilities and new administration facilities. The new facilities will also include a new formal entrance to the school in a new modern extension to the Church Road elevation. Phase two works are due for completion in August 2003 in time for the school to be operational in the new facilities at the start of the September 2003 Autumn term.

Phase Three: Conversion of existing North, West and Central Wings of the existing school to provide new and modern teaching accommodation within the historical building. The conversion will involve careful remodelling of existing areas to provide suitably sized teaching accommodation, new circulation routes, new library facilities. The refurbishment of the existing building will involve a comprehensive replacement of mechanical and electrical services.

The development works have the full support of the City of Liverpool, the Department for Education and Skills and English Heritage. The development works have been designed following extensive consultation with the school governors, staff and pupils to ensure the facilities provide the correct levels of accommodation to suit the school.

The new extension will offer a striking contrast to the existing building. Derek Hicks and Thew, as architects for the development will be using materials such as prepatinated copper, western red cedar cladding, painted render and brickwork for the external materials of the building to provide a modern contrast to the existing building. The choice of materials and their composition whilst providing a striking building also ensures that issues of long term maintenance are reduced.