The Nicholson Institute is the largest secondary school in the Western Isles. The previous campus was spread over a number of buildings extending to both sides of the road. The new school is an integrated building on the Springfield Road campus, along with the refurbishment of Springfield North (Pentland Building) and the existing clock tower. Matheson Hall was also refurbished for use by the Authority as an ICT hub for the Isles.
When the new building was completed, the redundant school accommodation was demolished and the area used for bus parking, sports facilities and landscaping. The design brings all of the school accommodation under one roof, which has been one of the Education Department’s aspirations throughout the design process. The Pentland Building was linked to the school via a covered walkway and is used for technical classes.
The Nicholson Institute project also included a new full size grass playing field to the rear of the school and a multi-use games area in addition to the existing all weather pitch.
The project achieved a BREEAM “Excellent” rating.
