Serving Up a Green Solution in the Black Country

Published by Angela May for CHR Equipment Ltd in Education

An under-used space has delivered an environment that is stimulating for users, the operator and the local economy- all achieved sustainably, and in a tight time frame- through an innovative approach by a commercial kitchen company.

 Dudley College is in the process of completing a state-of-the-art learning facility, a key element of which has been the £½m refurbishment of the central atrium at its 75 years-old Broadway Campus, designed and built by CHR Equipment.

 The new café and meeting space opened on enrolment day, having been completed in just the eight weeks of summer recess. The old refectory, kiosk, shop, coffee bar, toilets, lounge and retail area have been ripped out and replaced with a bright, light area believed to be one of the most sustainable cost sector catering kitchens in operation.

 CHR’s solution focussed on bespoke equipment of built-in modular blocks, self-venting ovens which accelerate cooking, hydrocarbon refrigeration, and LED lighting. The result enables contract caterer Redcliffe to efficiently deliver modern tastes, from Fair Trade coffee and Panini to champagne receptions, with a substantial energy bill saving. Further, half the budget was spent using suppliers within a 15 mile radius of campus, and 97% of the stainless steel materials used within were recycled.

 Using a modular format enabled CHR to construct the kitchen and seating area within the tight time schedule, but also enables quicker and more effective cleaning down, and components to be easily re-used elsewhere on campus as the College develops.

 Paul Neville, CHR Equipment Sales Director, observed, “Dudley College is setting a great example of how an under-used area can be efficiently turned into a facility that stimulates users, and thus the operator’s revenue stream.

 “It was an exciting project for us, as we proved we were more than able to create and deliver an integrated relaxation area, from initial design through to complete refurbishment, within time and on budget; historically we have been contracted only for the commercial kitchen.

 “Because we had complete control of the project, we were able to ensure client expectations were delivered in terms of how the finished area looks and functions but equally importantly gave Redcliffe a facility that enables them to efficiently deliver a consistent product offering in all aspects of the kitchen, including energy consumption, staff and cleanliness.”

 Added Lowell Williams, Dudley College principal, “We want to encourage students to set themselves higher targets, and enthuse them. It is well known that an uplifting environment has a beneficial effect on aspiration and student behaviour. This new facility is setting the standard for the rest of the College estate, encouraging students to spend time in an area that was previously under-used, but is now becoming a thriving hub.”

 Founded 20 years ago, CHR Equipment (www.chrequipment.co.uk) has built a reputation for consistently delivering practical solutions, applying innovative thinking and utilizing developments in technology to create commercial catering solutions on time and to budget whether new build or refurbishment of a hotel or college through to the upper echelons of Michelin-starred establishments and stadia. It has, for three years in succession, won national CEDA (Catering Equipment Distributors Association) Awards, each in a different category.