Pathfinder scheme will accommodate 1,000 students while teaching BSF lessons for contractors

Willmott Dixon has won a £20m Building Schools for the Future (BSF) pathfinder contract to deliver a community college in Surrey.

The firm will work from its Cobham offices to build new premises for Chessington Community College in Kingston-upon-Thames. Work has already begun on site, with completion anticipated for April 2009.

Managing director of Wilmott Dixon’s Cobham office Mark Tant said: “We beat some large companies to be awarded this major contract. It’s an important scheme for everyone associated with the College and we are very pleased to have the responsibility to deliver what will be an exceptional place to learn.”

The new school will accommodate 1,000 pupils aged 11-18. Architects IID have designed the plans, which feature a large central atrium, multi-use games area, 150-seat theatre, and dance studio.

BSF pathfinder projects act as forerunners to larger-scale BSF schemes to provide guidance and lessons for any projects that follow.