Although Dorset County Council (DCC) used a traditional form of contract, we were appointed under a PCSA during RIBA Stage 4 to provide cost and buildability advice and to offer the benefits of early engagement with our supply chain. Through clever works sequencing, the team delivered the playing field earlier than programmed.
Construction of a new three-form entry first school, on a shared new housing site with Bloor Homes, fit for the 21st century teaching and learning to accommodate an increase in pupils generated by the surrounding housing developments in Wimborne. The new school will accommodate 450 pupils and is located just 0.8 miles from the town centre.
DCC’s key drivers for the project include delivering within their approved budget and maximising investment in the local area.
By agreeing a procurement strategy with DCC, we engaged local supply chain and our aligned supply chain partners early to review buildability and generate cost savings. This included a separate feasibility study by Byrne Looby (engineering consultants), Keller (foundations) and Woodmace (groundworks), to explore alternative foundation options with the aim of minimising money spent in the ground and managing the abnormal ground conditions cost effectively and safely. The study involved an initial options report, collaborative workshops, further site investigations organised and a period of dialogue with suppliers to answer DCC queries.
The outcome was that a Vibro Stone Column Piling solution, with a degree of lime stabilisation, was a feasible alternative to traditional CFA piling, which generated a saving against DCC’s Cost Plan of circa £100k. The information and outputs from the study were incorporated into an updated Site Investigation Report by DCC’s own engineer and issued as part of the tender pack to ensure a fair basis for tendering by all suppliers.
The project was delivered to budget and the largest package, mechanical and electrical was procured with a local supplier. Just under £5m was spent with local SMEs.
Passive mechanical and natural ventilation systems contributed to low running costs. Trees were protected throughout the course of the project and the team regularly engaged with the Environment Agency about the ground water and ensured silt was well managed.
Payment periods were agreed at preconstruction and adhered to.
The client cited that the team’s management of safety was high and that site circulation and access was well controlled, giving a rating of 9. For CCS, they consistently scored an average 42.5 with the last one being 44.
8 technical and work based experienced and was delivered and several site visits with the school children were organised and complimented with classroom projects.
Despite high number of school staff changes over the course of the project, the Project Manager held several collaborative handover and aftercare workshops with the school to ensure that messages were not lost. Galliford Try’s Facilities Management also attended these workshops to ensure continuity from project completion.
Email: kingsley.clarke@devon.gov.uk
Phone: : 07805760622
Email: Angela.Purse@gallifordtry.co.uk
Phone: 07593 561855