Proposed Technical School. Sunderland (Architectural Competition)

This design was placed first in public competition, Mr J M Brydon being the assessor, and the view shows the principal front to Green-terrace, with the return to the small back lane. The main floor is placed about 8 feet above the pavement at corner of the site, and has, adjoining the principal entrance, the secretary's room, inquiry office, principal's room and common room for staff. On the left ids a hall, suitable for examinations or public lectures, lit on both sides, with doors from the entrance hall, and a special porch at the opposite end. From the hall a main corridor gives access to classrooms, lavatories, etc whilst two staircases lead to the upper floor. Above the hall is the chemical laboratory, with balance and combustion rooms. The corridor is immediately above the one below and, similarly, gives access to the various classrooms. On the top is the caretaker's residence and the corner tower contains a room for clock and chronometer testing, from which a staircase leads to the telescope dome above, nautical astronomy being one of the subjects for which special provision has to be made. In the basement are physical laboratories and physics lecture theatre, rooms for carpenters and plumbers, and spare rooms to be allotted for other purposes. Room is left upon the site for expansion and eighteen ordinary classrooms can be provided. The sum proposed to be spent is £17,000. The design is by Messrs Potts, Son, & Hennings, of 9, Ely Place Holborn, and 34, Victoria Buildings, Manchester, and was selected from about forty others.

Reference    Building News 2 July 1897 Page 11 and illustrations