🎓 Broadstairs College – Teaching Kitchen Refurbishment

Delivering Three High-Spec Training Kitchens for the Next Generation of Chefs

🏫 Project Overview: Transforming a Vital Educational Facility

Broadstairs College, part of the respected EKC Group, is a leading provider of vocational training and career development in Kent. A key part of its offering is its renowned hospitality and catering education, helping train the next generation of chefs in professional-standard environments.

The college commissioned Kent Commercial Kitchens to completely refurbish three ageing teaching kitchens, modernising them with the latest commercial kitchen installation techniques. This involved upgrading extraction systems, replacing outdated gas appliances with energy-efficient induction cooking technology, and completing all work during a brief academic break.

🎯 Project Goals

• Remove obsolete centralised extraction system

• Install three independent, fully compliant extraction systems

• Replace gas appliances with electric induction cooking equipment

• Improve energy efficiency and safety

• Deliver all works in a four-week window between teaching terms

🧩 The Challenge: Complexity, Constraints & Coordination

This project came with unique challenges:

• A tight four-week timeframe

• Aging infrastructure, including a non-functioning central tempered air unit

• Kitchens that had to be operational immediately after the holiday break

• Minimal margin for error

All this meant precise coordination and a high-performance team were essential to success.

🔧 Our Approach: Phased Delivery & High-Tech Integration

Extraction Overhaul

We began by dismantling the old shared extraction setup. In its place, we designed and installed three bespoke, standalone extraction systems—each engineered for the specific layout and usage of its respective kitchen. This created a more reliable, easier-to-maintain setup for the college’s facilities team.

Induction Cooking Upgrade

To align with modern professional kitchens and reduce carbon emissions, we recommended an all-electric, induction-based solution:

• Rational iCombi and iVario systems – for intelligent, versatile cooking

• Falcon Induction Ranges and Solid Tops – offering safety and rapid heat control

• Electric grills – for clean, consistent performance

This brought the kitchens in line with hospitality industry standards, while promoting energy efficiency and safety.

Supporting Works Included:

• Electrical system upgrades for new appliances

• Ventilation and ductwork tailored to induction needs

• Hygienic finishes and non-slip commercial flooring for safe, durable workspaces

✅ The Result: Three Professional-Grade Teaching Kitchens

The transformation delivered three cutting-edge culinary classrooms, ideal for both beginner and advanced hospitality students.

Each kitchen now offers:

• Independent operation with dedicated extraction

• Advanced, sustainable cooking systems

• Clean, safe, and adaptable layouts built for hands-on training

All three kitchens were delivered on time and to spec, with no disruption to teaching schedules.

“The EKC team set high expectations, and we were proud to meet them—completing not just one, but three full kitchen refurbishments, each with its own bespoke extraction and equipment solution.”

📞 Call us today on 01304 249963 to discuss your next teaching kitchen or hospitality training space project.

📸 Scroll down for photos of this transformation.