Construction of a new £36 million office building providing bespoke office accommodation for London Borough of Barnet. The project forms part of the Colindale regeneration programme. The new development is a nine-story building with a recreational terrace area on the 4th floor and provides a modern working environment for up to 1,400 people, including office spaces as well as a cafe on the ground floor. The new facility supports the London Borough of Barnet in working closer with the community.
Following PCSA appointment, London Borough of Barnet required to increase the use of the building to include additional community facilities like social services, business innovation hub, café and public conference suite – all whilst maintaining budget.
Working with the architect, Hawkins Brown, we adapted the previous scheme design and incorporated an additional floor space to house the extra facilities. The redesign process required building shape and structural changes and extension of building services. The end users were consulted and engaged throughout the process to ensure group consensus. By working with Price & Myers, structural engineers, we redesigned the underground drainage connections which was tunnelled and avoided costly and disruptive above ground work. This removed the connection from the critical path and reduced programme risks considerably.
Despite having to extensively redesign, the preconstruction period was maintained and through early engagements with supply chain partners and through collaborative design and planning workshops, value engineering options were identified, resulting in a new enhanced scheme delivered within budget.
Payment periods were agreed at preconstruction and adhered to.
Over 60% of supply chain were within 30 miles of the project, resulting in £18m spent locally. The project achieved BREEAM Very Good and incorporated energy saving design efficiencies, reducing running cost by £1m a year.
The Project Manager remained on site four weeks post completion and aftercare was managed in-house by our Facilities Management team.
The team exceeded targets by 200% for work placements for under 16 years and through engagements with Barnet and Southgate College, 12 placements were given to their students. In addition, we also held bricklaying competition, enabling students from the college to learn new skills and gain support from site managers and supply chain directly.
The team held two Safety Stand Down days and 221 operatives participated. The Intervention Workshop encouraged better communication and buy-in from our supply chain partners in the management of health and safety which helped the team achieve 43 on their last CCS visit.
Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk
Phone: : 07761 330560
Email: angela.purse@gallifordtry.co.uk
Phone: 07593 561855
New 6FE secondary school for 940 pupils and 200 6th form. Roof top sports pitch and playground. BREAAM Outstanding at design stage. High environmental performance.
New 4-storey Britannia Leisure Centre with mix of single, double and triple height spaces. Six-lane 25m main pool and 20m training both with moveable floors and leisure features including 3-storey flume. Café and toilets. Indoor 6 court sports hall. Creche and soft play area. Sauna and steam room. Fitness suite (spin studio and 2 exercise studios). Four squash courts. Two rooftop 5-a-side pitches and 2 rooftop tennis courts.
Shoreditch Academy: As the existing Britannia Leisure Centre remained open throughout construction, customer access into the leisure centre needed to be modified to facilitate the COLASP building which was almost the footprint of the existing carpark and therefore logistically challenging.
Leisure Centre: Externally, we focused on a design solution to encourage the local community to participate in sports and lead a more active lifestyle. As such, the cellular changing accommodation was positioned in the centre of the building, with the pool-halls and other sports spaces wrapped around the perimeter. This produced an elevated, animated building that entices the public into the facility.
Thames Water sewer: Construction of the leisure centre was complicated by the presence of an existing large diameter Thames Water storm relief sewer that runs diagonally across the site at a depth of 14m. This sewer has an exclusion zone of 3m either side and above it where no new construction is allowed. The building is on a tight footprint and the leisure activity zones are ‘stacked’ vertically which created some interesting challenges in structural stability and vibration control. Spanning 9m over the sewer and due to the diagonal alignment, equates to some 14m on grid, this alone brings significant construction challenges. The site also directly sits on the position of a vertical access shaft which gave access to the sewer for maintenance and emergency escape purposes.
Shoreditch Academy: We designed an innovative ramped solution into the top floor of the Leisure Centre building to allow it to remain open while the new school was built. We fixed transport routes around the whole site to manage traffic and deliveries. There was a cycle superhighway adjacent to our site, which required collaboration with the highways team. The proposed route for Crossrail 2 was also located directly underneath the new Academy, so the building design needed to be considered due to strict loading restrictions imposed by Crossrail.
We designed a unique groundworks solution to incorporate the temporary sheet piling into the permanent structure at basement level, creating an extremely cost-effective solution for the project. The precast cladding was then selected as it required no scaffolding and cut down on noise and vibration on vehicle deliveries to the site.
The façade was also load-bearing and allowed the design of the concrete framed structure to be simplified and fast erection on site while minimising construction site area. We even designed the City of London logo onto the facades via a patterned concrete finish which was then installed along with all other panels. The future Crossrail tunnels, size of the building and constrained nature of the site required an innovative approach. The building footprint was kept as small as possible to maximise the playground areas, taking advantage of the existing topography to create an amphitheatre playground.
Leisure Centre: Due to the complexity of the stacked leisure centre we had to keep the sports hall free of columns, and to bridge over the pool areas a complicated steel truss arrangement was needed. Spanning over 10m in height and 50m in length, the spine of the building spans 3 floors. Due to these structural intricacies, this was built on-site then lifted into place with two 500 tonne cranes in a tandem crane lift. This was an innovative and important project milestone for the build, which was completed safely and successfully.
We developed a team of specialist engineers whose knowledge and input enabled us to create a safe, on time and to budget build. As an example, the main 25m swimming-pool hall is double-height, and the leisure pool hall is triple height. Each of these pool spaces contains warm, moist air which is under positive pressure. Cooler spaces such as the sports hall and fitness gym are positioned over the pool-halls therefore the environmental separation between each of these spaces was a key construction challenge. To help deliver this environmental control we involved a specialist mechanical engineer with a focus on finite engineering. This ensured we maintained the continuity and integrity of the vapour control layer both vertically and horizontally within the building, preventing pool-hall air migrating through the building envelope, preventing it condensing on any cooler surfaces or spaces. Maintaining the continuity of the vapour control layer and insulation performance was particularly important for our roof-top pitches. We knew the importance of having an air-tight vapour control layer that was chlorine resistant for the longevity and overall safety of the build.
Thames Water sewer: We worked with Buro Happold and Thames Water to overcome the main risks of working over the sewer. This involved developing a working / construction methodology of preventing the sewer from trying to pop out of the ground due to buoyancy when it was empty or bursting under 14m head of water pressure when it became full. One of the main the concerns was that by excavating over the sewer to form the basement areas and pool shells, we would be effectively reducing the weight of the soil over the pipe, increasing the risks associated with buoyancy or bursting. Early involvement commissioned a detailed line and level survey to ascertain the precise depth and alignment of the sewer pipe, this led to greater confidence and understanding of design parameters and restrictions.
Shoreditch Academy: The school was originally due to open in September 2021; however, we were able to hand over the building for the school to occupy earlier than planned in June 2021 to use for their final school term and allow the year 11 pupils to carry out their final exams in their new school.
Leisure Centre: With our attention to detail and meticulous checking systems we are set to achieve BREEAM Excellent. The building’s energy design philosophy was to connect into the future district heating system which was being provided as part of the redevelopment of the Colville Estate.
To enable this to occur a temporary energy centre serving both the leisure centre and school, was installed and removed once the permanent connection to the energy centre was installed. Our district heating system and the overall design compliments the energy targets established in the New London Plan, so all equipment installed is energy efficient.
As an example, we use low energy fans to minimise energy consumption and have PV panels on the roof that supports our on-site sustainability strategy. Supporting our sustainability goals, we took advantage of the TfL CS1 main cycle superhighway which was adjacent to the project and were the first contractor to adopt a carbon neutral innovation of using Cargo Bikes for plant hire and small deliveries. Almost 500 residents can see the site, so we looked for innovative solutions to flood lighting and became the first constriction company to use hydrogen flood lights which helps reduce excessive noise.
Thames Water sewer: Once we knew the exact positioning of the sewer we developed a detailed construction methodology, working with Thames Water to agree how the works would be constructed. This led to greater cost and programme certainty and the removal of the substantial provisional sums associated with the identified risks.
Winner of Building’s Award for Delivering Social Value
Hackney’s Apprentice Employer of the Year
Hosted a Wheels for Wellbeing best practice site visit as part of ongoing commitment with TfL and Streetscene to ensure the site boundary was easily accessible for all pedestrian users. Wheels for Wellbeing focus is wheelchair cycling and ensuring cycle lanes are adequate to allow inclusion for all.
Project team hosted local forums and drop-in sessions at 5 local schools in advance of works starting so they could understand the logistics and opportunities for schools engagement as well as local residents’ forum.
Partnership created with Shoreditch Trust addressing inequality and supporting people who are facing life and health problems. This included sponsorship of an Elders Feast.
Hosted CIOB virtual site tours during Covid 19 pandemic to inspire more people into construction
Sponsored Hackney Council’s virtual quiz night raising money for Hackney Foodbank
Hosted two visits from 9 SEND students to aid their transition from their old school site to the new constructed school
Hosted two site visits for K10 (local shared apprenticeship provider) for 27 students to give them much needed experience resulting in 6 work experience placements
Attended Women in Construction career seminar, speed interviews and mentoring programme
Attended a number of Hackney Works initiatives supporting local residents finding work
Created two “Paws Stations” for local daily dog walkers against the site hoarding
161 beneficiaries
64 new jobs created (39 previously unemployed and 19 live in Borough of Hackney)
34 Apprentices – 8 lived in Hackney, 18 enrolled in new apprenticeships on this project and 9 now directly employed by the company they worked for
1,096 trainee weeks
1001+ student engagement events
Schools engagement: xx students
£48,500 donations to charity
822 volunteer hours
47 No of SMEs
£2.11 average LM3
£78m social value created
97% waste diverted from landfill
100% timber responsibly sourced
BREEAM Outstanding
Natural ventilation and user controls maximisedTrialled cargo bike deliveries on the project making full use of TfL’s Cycle Super Highway adjacent to the project to capture industry best practice of zero emissions method of transport and resulting in 17.1kg CO2/km saving per week. We are one of the only construction sites using this type of delivery and installed a cargo bikes loading area – the first in the country!
First use of hydrogen flood lights in construction
110 trees planted doubling the previous number
Wood chippings from removed trees retained by Hackney Council’s ground maintenance team and felled trees donated to Shoreditch Adventure Playground as climbing frames and seating
Reusable water bottles which can be clipped to a belt issued to all site operatives
CCS Score 45/45
Collaborated with TfL’s Cycle Super Highway and Hackney Council Street scene by taking part in an environmental walk to agree construction logistics, review traffic routes and ensure cyclists enjoyed passing the project throughout construction. All traffic Marshalls completed TfL’s Elite Marshal training.
Nominated for TfL Transport Awards through collaboration with TfL and Hackney Highways team
Soft landings for handover
Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact
On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times
100% payment within 30 days terms
Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk
Phone: 07761 330560
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Phone: 07967 686066
The state-of-the-art school consists of a new build two-storey SIP construction teaching block and main hall, a sports pitch and associated external soft and hard landscaping providing 420 places and 52 nursery places.
Project Information
Procurement Type: Two stage
Form of Contract: JCT 2016 D&B
Contract Period: 48 weeks
Size: 2,515 m
4. SIP construction is much faster than traditional building. At Kingsbrook, using SIP construction allowed the programme to be significantly reduced whilst still producing a quality building.
4. The SIP installation was 12 weeks allowing following trades and internal works to progress. Additionally, due to the nature of SIP construction all internal walls had been installed and therefore this removed the 1st fix process of drylining, reducing installation time and in turn associated costs. The site establishment was required for less time and therefore overhead costs of accommodation, site setup and management costs are minimised. Due to SIP construction consisting mostly of offsite production this significantly reduced risk on site, the panels were produced in a controlled factory environment away from the construction site, leaving minimal works to take place on site.
Soft landings for handover
Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact
On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times
Zero RIDDORs
CCS Score 43/45
100% payment within 30 days terms
The high-quality, energy efficient building is designed to enhance the character of the local area and provide a positive contribution to the public realm and includes a number of landscaping features to help complement its surrounds including planting choices to maximise benefits for wildlife.
Air tightness achieved required performance of 4m3/(h.m2) at 50 pascals, 98% waste diverted from landfill, 100% timber responsibly sourced, Solar panels on roof, Thermally efficient reducing carbon emissions helping LA meet its carbon reduction targets, Electric charging points installed; cycle and scooter storage, Wildlife area and forest school
25 beneficiaries (36% aged 16-25)
8 jobs created
266 trainee weeks
Schools engagement: 120 students
£5,000 donations to charity
112 volunteer hours
89% social value created
Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk
Phone: 07761 330560
Email: alan.smedly@morgansindall.com
Phone: 07967 686066
New 2FE (420 place) primary school plus 60-place nursery school provision on greenfield site in Larkhill, Wiltshire. This project was part of the Army Rebasing Programme for the relocation of troops from Germany with 917 homes constructed by Morgan Sindall Group sister company, Lovell.
We identified over £436k of savings through the VE exercise up to Gateway 3, an additional £10k to incorporate cycle storage, and a further £220k incorporated during the project (signed off at Gateway 4). We also successfully delivered the project to a delighted client who gave us a recommended score of 9/10.
100% payment within 30 days terms
100% timber responsibly sourced
Zero RIDDORs
29 beneficiaries
Soft landings for handover
Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact
On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times
Email: kingsley.clarke@devon.gov.uk
Phone: 07805760622
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Phone: 07967 686066
Following Hampshire County Council’s investment to meet increased local demand to provide 300 new places for 11-16 year-old students over the next 5 years, this new extension block forms a two-storey building housing a dedicated maths department as well as two state-of-the-art ICT/technology classrooms. Additionally, there is a new specialist ceramics studio and communal dining area increasing facilities for community use. The project also enhances the existing campus by providing landscaped green social spaces for outside dining, teaching and a performance space with a new amphitheatre for outside productions.
Delivering a project in the midst of a worldwide pandemic
Changing guidance from the Government to the school meant they had to amend how they operated, which in turn meant we had to adapt our works accordingly.
Pressures on programme betterment
We made a collective decision as to whether the client required a temporary school as the original programme had a completion date of the end of September, which would be during term time and meant pupils would need alternative accommodation. We agreed the school would be handed over early, therefore eliminating the need for temporary school accommodation. The earlier completion date meant the client and school had an operational building ready for the new term time.
Late changes to design
Late changes were made to the servery downstairs. The servery was originally designed for cold food prep, however 12 weeks before handover this was to be changed to a hot food mini kitchen.
Delivering a project in the midst of a worldwide pandemic
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we had to re-programme our external works. In our original plan, we were going to work in larger areas at a time and hand each one over. However during the pandemic, the Covid management strategy meant there were changes to the movement of pupils around the school. To meet with this new strategy, we re-programmed our works during half-term periods to allow the school to manage their Covid processes.
In order to minimise any disruption, we worked closely with the school on a daily basis to understand their changing strategies with Covid and then manage our works accordingly. During the tender stage, we implemented more hoarding than originally planned, as the school asked for more segregation between our works and the school.
In addition, drainage works around the existing MUGA and existing fences had to be undertaken during half-term to minimise disruption to the school.
The science refurbishment works were undertaken in the summer holidays. This was a tight programme, however we managed to achieve this through early engagement with the supply chain and being open and honest with them about the programme from the start in order to gain buy in from them. Our engagement with the supply chain started in March, ready for the July start. Materials, labour and resources were also planned ahead so they were ready for the refurbishment phase. We also treated the refurbishment as a separate phase internally, so we could effectively manage the works and meet the timescales.
Pressures on programme betterment
We created an open and collaborative approach with our supply chain. From the outset we offered our supply chain to visit site the project before they started and had early conversations with them to get them on board, particularly with the early packages.
Late Changes to design
Initially there was only a small amount of M&E in the walls, therefore we changed these to suit a commercialised kitchen. We put these extra services in the wall ahead of any design and instruction, so we didn’t delay the programme. The client subsequently incorporated these services into their design.
We successfully finished the building four weeks early and to a delighted Client who gave us a recommended score of 9/10.
100% payment within 30 days terms
100% waste diverted from landfill
100% timber responsibly sourced
37.35 tonnes carbon saved
Zero RIDDORs
CCS Score 42/45
27 No of SMEs delivering
14 beneficiaries
2 jobs created
198 trainee weeks
Schools engagement: 718 students
£4742.60 donations to charity
5 volunteer hours
78% social value created
Soft landings for handover
Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact
On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times
Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk
Phone: 07761 330560
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Phone: 07967 686066
The epitome of Team Collaboration
Appointed by Royal Borough of Greenwich, Galliford Try recently completed a 2 form entry community primary school for 420 primary and 26 nursery pupils, including a Behaviour Support Unit hosting up to 18 children. The works comprised a two-storey building, extensive landscaping and sports facilities served by a standalone changing block, which are used by the local community. In addition to a new multi-use games area (MUGA), there are outside learning areas including a wild meadow orchard, forest skills area, trim trails, horticultural area with raised planters and an amphitheatre. The project achieved BREEAM Excellent by maximising passive techniques to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
There were several challenges the team faced. Budget constraints and keeping to programme despite being bookended by Covid and three national lockdowns and consequently material shortages and delay were their biggest.
Keeping to budget: By engaging with their supply chain partners early in preconstruction, with an emphasis on added value, improved buildability and thus cost efficiencies and actively identifying alternative materials throughout, Galliford Try were able to provide significant savings on the project. Some included redesigning the ground floor slab to in-situ suspended slab, simplification of the window head brick detail and creating dual site access to optimise sequencing, enabling the building and landscape works simultaneously. Comprehensive surveys and ground investigations prior to Contract Award mitigated risks by preventing abortive designs based on assumptions.
The use of BIM Level 2 even though it was not a project requirement reduced both design and installation inefficiencies, saving time and money.
On time delivery: In addition to placing orders early and using more readily available materials to compensate manufacturing shortfalls in the UK and abroad, Galliford Try replaced in-person site visits with Zoom, GoPro cameras and drones for client and end user progress updates and inspections when Covid restrictions and lockdowns were in place.
The school was completed eight weeks early despite the challenges faced with the additional pressures of three national lockdowns, social distancing and reduced productivity (less people on site and delayed materials). The team achieved an overall client satisfaction of 9/10, with 10/10 in time management and Health & Safety.
Payment timescales to all: supply chain and manufactures were agreed and adhered to throughout the project. Payment notices were issued on time with zero ‘pay-less’ notice and 97% of subcontractor final accounts were agreed within two months on Practical Completion.
The project and site manager stayed on site four weeks post project completion and continue to keep in touch with the school, in conjunction with our Aftercare team.
To compliment the Aftercare team’s collaborative workshop to the end users 12 weeks prior to completion, the project team completed several site tours with the school’s executives and headteacher during the final construction phase, where defect sheets were presented, and reporting procedures explained during the walkabouts.
The team achieved AFR ratio 0 and zero RIDDOR, had an average CCS score of 42 and was able to continue to operate safely during Covid with no major outbreaks. The site was awarded ‘Quarterly Safety Award’ twice.
Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and with that included details that maximised passive techniques to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts. Additional features incorporated a highly insulated building envelope, high thermal mass for night cooling, ventilation stacks with heat recovery, 90sqm of solar panels and electric charging points. Acoustic ceiling and breathing building units were installed in classrooms to enhance air quality for better student learning environment and achieved A for energy performance.
Following some tree removal, we reused the logs to form the forest trail and created pathways around the site using mulch (shredded trees). The mulch provided a more stable ground to work on, as well as acting as a nutrient bed for plants.
Employment Skills Plan: 68no of apprentices, 4no of employees who were previously unemployed, 5no careers, curriculum and literacy talks and 8 hours of improving staff wellbeing sessions. Covid-19 prevented us achieving our targets in full during the construction phase. In agreement with Royal Borough of Greenwich, we delivered our promises post project completion.
Greenwich’s own: A labourer, gateperson and welfare labourer/cleaner were employed through Greenwich council’s employment scheme, Greenwich Local Labour and Business.
Looking after the smaller businesses: To encourage greater micro and VCSE participation, we held a Meet the Buyer event at Greenwich Town Hall. To ensure that they could work with us and other contractors in the future, we held individual workshops and supported them by completing minimum requirements like PAS91 and Builder’s Profile registration.
Greater emphasis on health and wellbeing: During the early stages of the pandemic, we arranged for a top medical visitor to deliver a toolbox talk to explain Covid 19 and ‘debunking some of the myths’ surrounding the illness. Not only did this reassure our operatives, but also provided them the opportunity to ask questions and have first-hand information affecting both theirs and their families’ health.
Lasting school legacy: We donated a mosaic plaque with the school’s crest at part of the Opening Ceremony.
Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk
Phone: : 07761 330560
Email: Angela.Purse@gallifordtry.co.uk
Phone: 07593 561855
Client
Somerset County Council
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£736k
Contract Period
32 weeks
Expansion of the existing primary school with the addition of three new classrooms using the ‘Class Space’ standard design. The classroom extension included toilets and was situated on the old basketball court, north of the school’s sports hall.
The client wanted the classrooms to be flexible for potential future use and expansion. Therefore, the internal dividing walls were stud work and the school’s preferred option of radiators were used instead of underfloor heating. The position and orientation of the building on the basketball court area were carefully designed so the school could construct another block adjacent to this one in the future. Other considerations included design items, such as mains cable sizes.
The extension was constructed of steel frame, blockwork rendered externally, with a profiled metal roofing system.
Fair Payment Charter
Sustainable Development Charter
Health & Safety Charter
Legacy Charter
Handover & Aftercare Contractor Promise
Careers Opportunities
Maintaining the school’s curriculum while working in a live school environment
Ensuring business continued as normal while coordinating deliveries
Ensuring the design allowed for future use and expansion
Our Success
Our Learnings
Value Added
Contract | Gateway 2 Planning | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Variation |
Cost | £2,462k | £2,417k | -1/8% |
Time | 32 weeks | 32 weeks | 0 |
Contact: Alan Smedley, Framework Manager
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Client
Dorset County Council
Project Manager
Dorset County Council
Architect
Dorset County Council
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£2.7m
Contract Period
49 weeks
Procurement Type
Construction only
Form of Contract
JCT 2011 SFC
A new build two storey, separately annexed, classroom block extension to the existing school to increase capacity from 5 Form Entry (600 pupils) to 6 Form Entry (720 pupils). The new building, located to the eastern side of the existing school, provides four spacious classrooms, a multi-purpose resource teaching space, and a new dining hall and kitchen. The Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) was also replaced as the new building was located on the existing facilities.
Live school environment
Phasing of the works, sectional handovers and decanting pupils as works completed
Our Success
Our Learnings
Value Added
Value engineering was carried out with the following outcomes:
Contract | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Gateway 4 Practical Completion | Variation |
---|---|---|---|
Cost | £2,707,877 | £2,521,556 | -7.4% |
Time | 45 weeks | 43 weeks | -2 weeks |
Client
Department of Education
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£7.5m
Contract Period
80 weeks
At Fulham Cross Girls’ School, the works comprised the demolition of an old 1970’s science block and delivery of a state-of-the-art science building and gymnasium with bespoke science labs, staff rooms, offices and a double-height gym. The new steel frame building with precast concrete planks on the first floor and roof and external brick and clad facade provides 5 new laboratories, preparation room, sports hall, changing rooms, toilets and staff room. The building includes PV panels and attenuation tank.
The main gym complements the all-weather outdoor facilities with associated changing rooms, storage facilities and offices, and capacity for a variety of indoor sports including hockey, netball, dance, and rowing machine activity.
Fulham Cross Girls’ School new block was handed over successfully on budget in March 2020, safely and without delay following the government guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fair Payment Charter
Sustainable Development Charter
Health & Safety Charter
Legacy Charter
Handover & Aftercare Contractor Promise
Career Opportunities
Outreach Programmes
Minimising disruption
The project saw the use of temporary modular classrooms to house students away from the works in order to minimise disruption as much as possible to the overall learning environment.
Last minute programme changes
As of March 2020 and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Fulham Cross Girls’ School new block was handed over successfully on budget and safely following the government guidelines. Last minute programme changes were made to suit the school amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Morgan Sindall utilised their labour to help move the school in/out for handover 2-weeks early.
Noisy works
The school remained fully operational throughout the works which required Morgan Sindall to work closely with the school throughout to minimise the impact on teaching and learning. They re-programmed works to avoid noisy works during busy school time/utilising school holidays where possible.
Our Success
Our Learnings
Value Added
Contract | Gateway 2 Planning | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Variation |
---|---|---|---|
Time | 71.7 weeks | 63.6 weeks | -11.4% |
Contact: Alan Smedley, Framework Manager
Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com
Client
Dorset County Council
Project Manager
Dorset County Council
Architect
Dorset County Council
Contractor
Morgan Sindall
Value
£1.46m
Contract Period
43 weeks
Procurement Type
Traditional
Form of Contract
JCT 2011 SFC/CDP/Q
GIFA
180m2
Apprentices
4
Sherborne Abbey CE Primary School is located on the western edge of Sherborne. The existing 1.5 form entry (FE) school was constructed in 1999 but due to an increase in the population of the school aged children in the area, the school needed to expand in size from 1.5FE (315 pupils) to 2FE (420 pupils).
A new single storey extension to the western elevation of the existing school was constructed. The new accommodation comprised of three new class bases, food technology room, two group rooms, toilets and associated ancillary spaces, landscape and drainage works. The existing reception area was also extended and internally re-modelled to provide adequate space.
To enable the construction works to progress whilst the school remained operational, temporary modular accommodation was installed and remained on site for 12 months during the course of the works.
The design of the new extension followed the style and rhythm of the existing traditionally constructed school, being a masonry walling envelope under a pitched tiled roof covering. This retained the established strong sense of identity and consistency. The landscape works included new footpaths to link all new external door entrances to existing paths, hard and soft play areas providing fully accessible circulation routes for disabled users.
Career Development
School remained fully operational throughout works
The school remained fully operational throughout the works and with shared site access the contractors worked closely with the school throughout to minimise the impact on teaching and learning.
Site access
Access to the site was via a bridleway that had to be maintained. Prior to works commencing, the bridleway was upgraded up to the temporary site access to avoid damage and mud onto the public highway. Works were agreed in advance with the Local Authority.
Out of hours work
Elements of the project required localised works within the existing school including classroom refurbishment, a new entrance canopy and reception area, service connections and switchovers. These works were carefully planned prior to commencement on site to be undertaken out of school term and at weekends/out of hours to avoid disruption to the school. Weekly discussions with the school took place on the planned works for the work to avoid impact to the day to day operations of the school.
Our Success
Throughout the project we engaged well with the school, coordinating the works around their requirements to ensure that the safety of pupils was the upmost priority. Consistently maintaining our relationships with local residents with our just in time deliveries and avoiding peak times with school drop off and pick up times. Communication and training with the school as part of the handover process was well received and resulted in the staff feeling confident and competent with their new teaching facility. Following on from a project review, the team received a 10/10 recommendation score from the client after handover.
Our Learnings
The project was fully detailed and specified with limited CDP elements to the works. Notably one challenge arose surrounding the subcontract complex cut roof design which was to interlink to the existing building causing significant delay to the project. We worked with the client team and subcontractors to find a solution as quickly and efficiently as possible through collaborative meetings to resolve the complex design coordination that worked for all parties.
Value Added
Early engagement with the supply chain particularly with the roof design solution resulted in an overall saving for the client.
Contract | Gateway 2 Planning | Gateway 3 Contract Agreement | Gateway 4 Contract Handover | Variation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cost | £1,682,019 | £1,682,019 | £1,460,147 | -15.2% |
Time | 38 weeks | 38 weeks | 43 weeks | +5 weeks |