The Project
Following a review of the condition of the school and discussions over priorities, opportunities were identified around a decarbonisation project, glazing replacements, and re-roofing across the entire site. More immediately, improvements to the WC provision were highlighted, and combining these WC improvements with the alterations to office spaces to suit the revised staffing levels and visitor entry points was key.
The Challenge
The site benefitted from two sets of gender specific pupil WC’s with both being at end of life and long overdue for refurbishment. The office provision also did not suit the current operational use of the building. and there was a requirement to create a more secure visitor entrance to the school, to meet current safeguarding best practice.
The Solution
Make Consulting (Make) undertook the design work to prepare a scheme that would address all of the above, however, it was quickly recognised that this was more construction work than could realistically be delivered within the school summer holidays. Working in partnership with a local contractor and the school, a phased construction programme was developed which undertook some of the pupil WC works before the closure of the school, with a large portion of the remainder being completed over the summer holidays.
This addressed the issues with one set of WC’s and the offices, leaving the other set of WC’s to be addressed slightly later with works to that area scheduled to commence over the (two-week long) October half term, and then completed over the remaining weeks with handover either just before or just after the Christmas break. Throughout the above contract Make provided Contract Administration services, monitored quality and provided cost control services to ensure the project remained on budget, which was critical given the Client’s desire to undertake other works at this site and the limited funds available for the completion of all packages.
The Outcome
The project was delivered on time, and on budget. The project provided refurbished WC facilities, revised offices, a new staffroom, and an improved and more secure visitor entrance. The project was also able to deliver a series of drainage repairs to reduce flooding on the site during periods of heavy rain. All of this was achieved with minimal disruption to normal school operations.
Following the completion of the works, Make continues to work with the School and the Trust, seeking to deliver the previously mentioned decarbonisation works, glazing replacements, and replacement of the failing roof coverings. Make are proud of the successful delivery of this project and the strengthening of the relationship with the school and Trust that this project has achieved.
