Merchant Taylors’ embarks on £1.2m summer refurbishment

Merchant Taylors’ School is investing almost £1.2m in upgrading its property and estates this summer.

The historic independent school in Crosby, which celebrates its 400th birthday next year, is undertaking a full redevelopment of the dining halls and kitchen facilities at both its Boys’ and Girls’ School sites. The £500,000 design-led scheme is being delivered by CDS Wilman alongside the school’s catering partner, Chartwells.

The Williams Hall, which sits at the heart of the Grade II-listed main building of Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, is also undergoing a major overhaul. The £260,000 works will see a full refurbishment of the space, including new stage and audience furnishings, revamped flooring, enhanced lighting and internal redecoration.

They are also installing a suite of new high-specification audio-visual production technology, funded in part by the school’s Old Boys Association.

Meanwhile, the school is spending almost £350,000 enhancing its fire alarm and detection provision across the estate. The safety works include the installation of a category L2 ‘Life Protection’ fire alarm system.

The school is also upgrading its IT infrastructure and revamping many of its student facilities ahead of the new autumn term in September.

Lynn Hill, finance and operations director at Merchant Taylors’ School, said: “The level of our investment over the summer reflects our determination to ensure that Merchant Taylors’ remains the finest school in the Liverpool city region.

“The majority of this work consists of one-off special projects that we feel are crucial if we are to fulfil our ambitions and continue to provide the very best environment and education for our students.

“We are also proud custodians of this magnificent estate and its historic buildings, so we are working diligently to make sure that this legacy is not only protected, but enhanced, for generations to come.”