The Next Generation of Schools in Gateshead
Ideal Stelrad’s market leading range of commercial boilers and radiators have been specified for the £55 million Gateshead Schools PFI Project.
The scheme, part of Gateshead Council’s strategy to raise educational standards and achievements throughout the Borough, involves the construction of high quality, modern and well-equipped learning environments to replace existing facilities under the Government’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI).
As part of this commitment, two new secondary schools are being built to replace the existing Lord Lawson and Kingsmeadow secondary schools, along with five new primary schools – Harlow Green, Rowlands Gill, Dunston Hill, Highfield and Highfield St Josephs.
Craig Stewart, Ideal Stelrad’s business development manager for thr North-East, said: A number of schools were identified whose age and condition did not meet the curriculum requirements of today or the future.
Part of our responsibility was supplying the heating and hot water systems for the schools that would not only help the council reduce its energy bills, but also exceed legislation requirements set out in the Building Regulations to improve overall energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
As part of the contract, Ideal Stelrad has supplied a combination of 30 Imax W and Imax Xtra boilers, part of the Ideal’s market leading range of commercial appliances, along with Stelrad’s Compact radiators.
Continued Stewart: Ideal’s extensive range of commercial appliances offers installers and specifiers more choice and options. For example, where space in a boiler plant room is at a premium, the wall mounted Imax W appliance was the perfect solution. Available in a range of outputs (45, 60 or 80kW), the Imax W is capable of being installed as single unit or in simple modular formations for even bigger outputs. For the larger schools, the floor standing Imax Xtra was the right choice, offering a range of outputs from 80kW up to 560kW.
Built around a solid and reliable cast aluminium heat exchanger, both the Imax W and Imax Xtra boilers are fully condensing appliances, with the ability to achieve high operating efficiencies at both full and part loads. Non condensing efficiencies of up to 98% at 80oC flow and up to an impressive 108% at 30% load in condensing mode can be achieved, with even higher efficiencies at lower system temperatures.
Stelrad Radiators’ Compact range is one of the most comprehensive on the market today. A traditional panel radiator, it features an elegant integrated top grille and side panels specifically designed to eradicate any movement and provide a tight professional finish.
For more information on Ideal Stelrad’s market leading range of commercial boilers and radiators visit
For reader enquiries, colour separation requests and invoices please contact Karen Jones on tel 01482 498402, fax 01482 498621 or email Karen_Jones@idealboilers.com