The Challenge
Projects were prioritised in terms of high, medium and low priority. Those falling into medium and low priority were addressed through the Academies planned maintenance programme. For high priority projects, Make Consulting were tasked with finding an appropriate funding solution to bolster the Academies existing reserves.
High priority issues to address included school capacity and the need for internal space for sports and play.
The Solution
Due to the increased number of families residing within the catchment area, Barnby Road Academy appointed Make Consulting to fully design a solution and undertake full project management of the construction of an expansion space to the existing school building to include two teaching classrooms, a music room and additional teaching space to the foundation area.
Make undertook an initial feasibility study to allow the Academy to make an informed decision; incorporating design options and analysis of the existing drawings, with each option assessed against the available budget.
The Academy instructed its preferred option. Make obtained full planning permission, produced the detailed design and tender documentation and managed the tender process. Make also managed the contractor appointment process.
During the construction phase, Make undertook full contract administration services, quality control and chaired progress meetings to ensure the Client was kept informed of progress against the programme; particularly important in an operational school environment.
In this instance, the Project was funded directly by the Academy, therefore cost control essential. Through Make’s understanding of construction techniques and careful management of the scheme, the Project was delivered on time and under budget, with a saving of circa 10% compared to the original contract sum.
Following the completion of the expansion project, the School’s relationship with Make continued. A feasibility and concept design was prepared for the construction of a new Sports Hall, to be used by the School and local community. Make went on to secure full funding through the Condition Improvement Fund (ESFA) for the project.
Throughout the delivery of the project, Make acted as Lead Consultant, managing a full design team including Structural Engineer, Mechanical Engineer and Electrical Engineer. Make undertook the roles of Designer, Project Manager / Contract Administrator, Cost Consultant and Principal Designer.
Communication was paramount for this project as the school was operational throughout the build phase. Daily meetings between the Contracts Manager and School Site Manager were held to ensure operational continuity and most of all, the safety of students and staff on site.
Make consulting staff were fully DBS checked and ensured all site operatives and project team members all had the requisite clearances to be in attendance on site. Make Consulting is fully conversant with the safeguarding, security and protection of the children and sensitive information on display at such an institution and work tirelessly to ensure the relevant compliances are adhered to.
Make successfully delivered both of the projects in line with programme and budget and to a high level of customer satisfaction. Make are proud of the relationship with the Academy and this continues to be a strong relationship to the current day.
The Result
“Having to fund a two classroom extension from our own budget with a limited building programme time meant that we had to achieve ‘Outstanding Value for Money’. Make Consulting ensured that not only was the project achieved within the constricted timelines but that the project came in under budget without compromise.
Make talked us through every aspect of the project and prepared a programme that aligned with our school timetable. The attention to detail in relation to the health and safety of all stakeholders, especially pupils, met with the School’s major concern of an in-term delivery schedule.
We would not hesitate to recommend Make to other Academies and hope to work with them on future projects.”
~ Corrina Beckett, Barnby Road Academy.
