The new Design Centre at the Beauchamp College, Oadby, with the ICT "pod". The Centre was designed and project-managed by GSS Architecture.

Sir Bruce Liddington, who last year was appointed by the Prime Minister to be the first Schools Commissioner, has singled out the new Design Centre at the Beauchamp College, Oadby, just outside Leicester, for special praise.

As guest of honour at the formal opening, Sir Bruce said, "I visit on average seven schools a week, and this is the most innovative use of existing buildings that I have seen."

GSS architect and partner Tom Lyons explained, "The new Design Centre has been constructed in what was an outdated 1960's building. This was completely stripped out, leaving just the shell of the building. This was completely re-fitted throughout with new internal walls, ceilings, lighting, flooring and services."

"The centre has a dramatic, airy and sweeping internal design," said Tom. "This incorporates a variety of spaces contained within curved walls, while the central feature is a glazed mezzanine pod for ICT, reached via a central stairway."

College Principal Richard Parker commented, "We are extremely pleased with this most impressive new resource. It shows that a well-considered refurbishment of an older building can provide exceptional value for money. We believe our new design centre has allowed us to revisit and transform the way we deliver design. Set as it is at the heart of the college, it is making a powerful statement about design operating at the centre of our whole school curriculum."

The Beauchamp College is a specialist technology Leading Edge Upper School with over 2,000 students. It is regarded as Leicestershire's leading comprehensive, and has the largest sixth form in the UK.