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You are here: Home1 / Matthew Elliott Contact details2 / Case Studies

Live Fire Training Facility

January 2, 2026/in South East Fire, Police and Health Services Remodel/by Mel

Live Fire Training Facility  

  • Client

    Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £3.7m

  • Completion Date

    October 2023

The Challenge

Ensuring a heat protection strategy due to the function of the building.  

The new facility was designed to present fire fighters with the experience of tackling fires in a controlled situation. The facility provides them with an environment where they can study how fire behaves in different conditions and the best practices to respond to the fire. With the facility use in mind, it was important that the facility was designed to withstand serious fire.  

Negating challenges faced working within a live blue light environment.

The project took place at the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service HQ, where training took place in close proximity to the site. The site was also shared with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, which meant there were a number of parties to be mindful of during the build and it was pivotal we maintained their daily activities.  

Managing safety on the project with forward planning and frequent communication.

Numerous challenges were faced during the construction of the live fire building including coordination of the crane, working at height and being in close proximity to the local airport and railway.  

The Solution

Morgan Sindall’s structural engineer designed wall, floor and ceiling protection to burn areas, ensuring the building’s external structure remained below the Eurocode requirement of 60 degrees. Temperature sensors were installed to manage internal temperatures, which means should ceiling temperatures reach 450 degrees, they trigger an audible/ visual alarm system that alerts trainers of overheating and trigger the manual extinguishing of heat source with a hose.  

Extensive communication and planning was key to managing the project in this live environment occupied by emergency services. This was successfully managed through weekly coordination meetings with the client to ensure activities were planned around their timetable to minimise disruptive activities during their busier periods. A full-time banks person was also employed to manage and coordinate deliveries with the fire service.  

These safety challenges were negated through careful planning and collaboration including: 

  • Choosing the right crane mat to ensure the ground would be able to maintain the weight of a circa 120t crane. Subsequently, CVR tests and a sub-base ensured the ground was safe to withhold the crane  
  • Using the Easi Edge safety system for working at height with its temporary edge protection barriers 
  • Acquiring a crane permit due the close proximity of the local airport and Basic Asset Protection Agreement (BAPA) permit for working close to the railway 


The Results

The Live Fire Training Facility is one of very few of its kind in operation and presents vital experience to trainees as they tackle controlled fire situations whilst experiencing realistic after-effects and complications under supervision; forming a key part of fire fighters training in Hampshire and the surrounding areas.  

5


Apprentices

70%


SME Spend

29.5%


Added Value

8/10


Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Legacy

15 SMEs (9 local) – 13 beneficiaries – 3 jobs created 

Schools engagement: 949 students – 130 trainee weeks 

£1.93 LM3  – 92% social value created 


Sustainability

16.2 tonnes carbon equivalent saved in Morgan Sindall’s 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge by changing the heat protection tile supplier to a UK supplier, reducing number of and distance of deliveries 

98% waste diverted from landfill 

7 biodiversity enhancements 


Aftercare

Soft landings for handover 

Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact 

On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times 


Safe

Zero RIDDORS

CCS Score 40/45 


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Client Testimonials

“It is wonderful to see our new live fire unit up and running, with our firefighters already seeing the benefits of this modern facility. We are committed to investing in our estate which ranges from fire stations to buildings such as this which supports the training and development of our crews. Our team has been working hard alongside Morgan Sindall on this project and many others including the new fire station in Cosham set to open next year.”

Arron HedgesHead of Property and Facilities
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https://southernconstructionframework.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Live-Fire-3-scaled.jpg 1363 2048 Mel https://southernconstructionframework.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Logo.svg Mel2026-01-02 14:46:052026-01-02 14:46:08Live Fire Training Facility

Cosham Fire Station

January 2, 2026/in South East Fire, Police and Health Services Remodel/by Mel

Cosham Fire Station

  • Client

    Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue (HIWFRS) 

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £16.5m

  • Completion Date

    July 2024

The Challenge

Cosham Fire Station is one of three new fire stations constructed by Morgan Sindall Construction for our client, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue (HIWFRS). Delivered through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), the new facility contributes to the HIWFRS’s wider initiative to regenerate their fire stations via a £27m investment. 

The aspiration for this project was to provide a new and enhanced facility with state-of-the-art equipment, which, would improve the level of training operatives could receive. Part of the overall scope of works required the inclusion of staff welfare facilities, community facilities and a Police Station. 

A safer facility was also crucial, with operatives often left covered in toxins which could have potentially long-term detrimental effects to their health. Therefore, the design of the building was carefully considered to ensure it could meet this requirement.  


The Solution

The previous Cosham Fire Station was located on Wayte Street in Cosham. However, with an eye on having a larger facility, the new fire station was relocated onto the land of the former Portsmouth Craft and Manufacturing Industries (PCMI) on Northern Road. However, demolition was required to the PCMI buildings, which was subcontracted to HWM Group. The relocation of the fire station was fundamental as the new facility spreads across two acres of land and is three stories high.  

The larger facility meant that it was possible to design and embed a decontamination route into the building. This ensures operatives now follow a decontamination process as they navigate through the building. The decontamination route is colour coded as:  

  • Red – Removal of contaminated clothing 
  • Amber – Shower and clean for removal of smoke on skin etc. 
  • Green – Decontaminated area such as admin wing and appliance bay 

The new route mitigates the transfer and inhalation of toxins for the operatives, in turn, providing a safer working environment for the operatives.   


The Results

Along with providing a safer space for operatives, the facility will act as a training hub for the East region of Cosham. The facility includes a new training tower along with additional training facilities for the workers. The improved facilities will now provide operatives with the best training possible to respond to emergencies in the most effective way possible.  

Cosham Fire Station had been designed in such a way, that both the exit and entrance could be adapted; providing trainees a challenge every time they enter the building.  

19


Apprentices

92%


SME Spend

£2.1m


Added Value

9/10


Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Legacy

37 No of SMEs – 44 beneficiaries – 10 jobs created – 526 trainee weeks – Schools engagement –  147 students  –  100 volunteer hours  –  £1.70 LM3   – 88% social value created  –  £3k donated to the Queen Alexandra (QA) Hospital Portsmouth – 16 School engagement events 


Sustainability

96% waste diverted from landfill 

100% timber responsibly sourced 

10T challenge successfully completed – 556T co2e saved  


Aftercare

Soft landings for handover 

Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact 

On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times 



Safe

Zero RIDDORs 

No lost time incidents  

CCS Score 43/45 



Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Client Testimonials

“The staff here are blown away. It’s hard not to be impressed and grateful for the facilities. It’s incredibly airy, there’s so much space but it doesn’t feel clinical – it still feels like home and still feels like a fire station should. It’s an amazing place to come and work”. 

Lee SheenHIWFRS Station Commander
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Winton Community Academy

January 2, 2026/in South East Education: Secondary School/by Mel

Winton Community Academy

  • Client

    Hampshire County Council 

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £5m

  • Completion Date

    August 2024

The Challenge

Challenge 1 

Winton Academy was a logistically tight and challenging site. This was due to the fact that construction was surrounded on all four sides by live class blocks and with a farm within close proximity. 

Challenge 2 

There was great emphasis placed on the quality of the new facility; however due to the lack of space on site, the team were unable to accommodate a ‘benchmark’ room. 

The Solution 

Solution 1 

To manage the logistically challenging site, a thorough and robust plan of action for safety on the project was required, including the following: 

Frequent and regular communication with the school, client and all stakeholders involved 

‘Just in Time’ deliveries were opted where possible, due to minimal storage space on-site 

The project team segregated the site with hoarding 

‘Movement times’ required on the project meant if there were any deliveries, the team could only move materials during certain periods of the day 

Further barriers such as Heras fencing were installed to segregate the team from the school and the farm 


Solution 2 

The team had samples for a number of materials that would be used throughout the project, including: 

CLT  –  Brickwork  – Mortar  – Flooring 

Along with the material samples, the team undertook daily inspections which were recorded on the Site Information Management System. Additionally, weekly quality inspections were undertaken by the client and third-party inspections were undertaken of the flat roof installation, with a written report provided. Lastly, 360o photographic evidence via Oculo was used on the project to ensure Quality Assurance. 


The Results

The team successfully mitigated the impact of the site works to both the school and local community, as demonstrated in the Considerate Constructors Site Report which achieved 15/15 for ‘Respect the Community’ and Customer Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) which scored 10/10 for safety.  

6


Apprentices

85%


SME Spend

£658k


Added Value

10/10


Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Legacy

39 No of SMEs  – 18 beneficiaries – 7 jobs created  – 53 trainee weeks 

Schools engagement: 2955 students  &  131 hours  

£175 donations to charity  – £2.32 LM3 

78% social value created  – 88% local spend 


Sustainability

100% waste diverted from landfill 

100% timber responsibly sourced 


Aftercare

Soft landings for handover  and a dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact 

On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times 


Safe

Zero RIDDORS – CCS Score 44/45 


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Client Testimonials

“Been a very positive experience, comes down to the team on site and we had very good people on the project which made the whole project run smoothly. A pleasure working with the whole team.” 

Winton Community Academy CEQ
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Philip Southcote School

January 2, 2026/in Education: Secondary School/by Mel

Philip Southcote School 

  • Client

    Surrey County Council 

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £9.34m

  • Completion Date

    17th March 2025


The Challenge

Deliver a new build SEN school block and separate hydrotherapy pool within the ground of the existing PSS school site whilst the school remains live and operational.  Hydrotherapy block added into scheme after Teaching block works had commenced making logistics on project challenging and tight.  Hydro Pool block also instructed as a D&B phase being taken from concept design through to completion by MSC. 

The Solution

  • Fully collaborative and open approach implemented by MSC and client team. 
  • Close and careful planning of site logistics to ensure both TB and HP works could progress efficiently and safely. 
  • Close and vigilant management of quality on site by MSC team and client Clerk of works. 
  • Regular engagement with school and local stakeholders such as residents, fire station and football club. 


The Results

  • Teaching Block handed over and in use in line with original contract completion date. 
  • Hydrotherapy Pool in use in line with agreed date. 
  • Delighted end user. 

6


Apprentices

60%


SME Spend

£2,331,003


Added Value

9/10


Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Legacy

29 SME’s used on the project 

6 new entrants, a total of 57 locally employed employees, equivalent to 5.79FTE 

168 training weeks completed during project delivery 

Schools engagement: 9 students completed a work experience placement, MSC attended 4 CIAG events interacting with 380 students.  

£650 donations to charity, in addition the site team contributed 5 (1 per MSC staff member) hampers towards our Christmas Hamper drive, which we donated to local Runnymede Foodbank  

£1.79 per £1  –  24.95% social value created 

We collaborated with both Philip Southcote School and Fordway AP to launch a pilot work experience programme, giving 16 students the opportunity to explore a range of disciplines across the construction industry. Throughout the week, students engaged in site tours, met professionals from various roles, and took part in open, honest conversations about careers in the field. The programme concluded with student teams presenting their ideas on how to improve sustainability in the build. Feedback from both students and teachers highlighted the positive impact and inspiration the experience delivered.


Sustainability

100% waste diverted from landfill 

100% timber responsibly sourced 

Storage and reuse of stripped top soil at the start of the project, did not require any imported top soil to reinstate the field area, reducing the carbon of the project by 12.7 tonnes. 


Aftercare

Good communication between MSC/ Client team/ End user regards post completion works. 

Continuation of delivery into aftercare – Chris Horsley is dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact for aftercare supported by Steve Sear 

On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times 


Safe

Zero RIDDORS

CCS Score 44/45 


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Client Testimonials

“MSC team are a pleasure to work with.  Committed, focussed, professional, personable and easy to talk to.  Never defensive – always responsive and proactive.” 

Neil ReedSCC Project Manager
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Abbey View Primary Academy

January 2, 2026/in London Education: Primary School/by Mel

Abbey View Primary Academy

  • Client

    Buckingham County Council 

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £6.8m 

  • Completion Date

    August 2019 

The Challenge

The design was carried out in two volumes – developing the design for the school and for future extension.  The project had a BIM Level 2 requirement with a verification point cloud survey to be carried out prior to handing over the asset information model. 

The biggest challenge was the Building Control review of the high performance fast-track SIPS construction and associated structural elements (supporting steelwork and precast concrete first floor and stairs). 

The Solution

Morgan Sindall took the project from RIBA Stage 2 and developed the design to Stage 5.  A BIM model was produced which incorporated the architectural, structural, civil, MEPH and specialist sprinkler designs.  The FF&E and catering subcontractor models were developed alter and incorporated in the Project Information Model. 

The school was built using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) structural frame with a series of panels manufactured off-site and assembled on-site.  To make best use of the clash detection process, the SIPSs subcontractor Innovare began work alongside the design consultants at Stage 3.  The MEPH subcontractor also began work early during the design period allowing access zones around the plan equipment to be added to the BIM Execution Plan as a modelling item.  Once the SIPs frame was installed, it was laser scanned.  The scan output could then be used to compare the built asset against the digital model. 


The Results

The use of a Project Information Manager was invaluable to the design team meeting COBie requirements.  This resulted in the last validation reporting showing Stage 4 data was on target and met the Information Exchange requirements.  The design team continued to develop the model with a final update carried out after the point cloud information was issued to form an accurate Asset Information Model. 

The off-site manufacture approach created a bespoke solution which provide cost efficiencies through a standardisation of the process and increases sustainability through a fabric-first approach.  The SIPs were manufactured under factory controlled conditions resulting in a system that was extremely quick to install, strong, energy-efficient and cost and time effective. 

6


Apprentices

91%


SME Spend

£600k


Added Value

8/10


Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Legacy

29 No of SMEs  – 22 beneficiaries – 5 jobs created – 155 trainee weeks 

Schools engagement: 30 students – 86% social value created 

£300 donations to charity  – 30 volunteer hours 


Sustainability

97% waste diverted from landfill 

100% timber responsibly sourced 

Order placed with Community Wood Recycling and a wood recycling bay for regular collections was set up.  This resulted in 14.3 tonnes collected with a saving of £492.06 and the majority being high-grade reuse. 


Aftercare

Soft landings for handover 

Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact 

On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times 


Safe

Zero RIDDORS

CCS Score 43/45 


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Client Testimonials

“Felt as though the team went beyond just delivery a project.” 

Adrian CouchCapital Projects Performance Manager, Buckinghamshire County Council
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https://southernconstructionframework.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/53V006_M31_medium-Abbey-View.jpg 730 1500 Mel https://southernconstructionframework.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Logo.svg Mel2026-01-02 14:27:462026-01-02 14:27:49Abbey View Primary Academy

Silverwood SEND School

January 2, 2026/in South West Education: Secondary School/by Mel

Silverwood SEND School

  • Client

    Wilshire County Council

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £27.2m

  • Completion Date

    9th September 2024


The Challenge

Built to be net-zero in operation, Silverwood also represents the future of sustainable education estates. The school reaches net zero carbon through a combination of renewable energy and low-carbon systems and materials. 


The Solution

Over 1,000 solar panels generate more than 400 MWh annually—enough to power the entire facility, with surplus energy exported to the local grid. Three biomass boilers provide sustainable heating. In a pioneering community energy initiative, the solar panels are owned and operated by Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy, generating approximately £5,000 annually to support environmental education at the school. Material choices were also at the heart of Silverwood’s highly sustainable build with embodied carbon reduced through use of a Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) frame. 

The Results

As a result of the precise construction methods and materials, the building achieves an airtightness score of 1.843/hr/m2 - that’s highly energy efficient compared to the average modern building, which is around 53/hr/m2. The school also achieves an EPC score of –13. The negative number indicates that the building generates more energy than it consumes annually. Sustainability by design drove every element of the project plan. Silverwood achieved remarkable results in construction waste management: 98.8% of all construction waste was diverted from landfill. This positive environmental outcome was achieved through a comprehensive Material Management Plan. 

The project diverted 25,000 m³ of excavated material for complete on-site reuse, while 1,096 pallets were collected by Pallet Loop for reuse instead of disposal. Community Wood Recycling Social Enterprise collected 256 tonnes of timber from the site, and 10 pallets of spare bricks were donated to St Edmunds Society for apprentice training. 

Silverwood students also gained valuable learning opportunities by constructing bird boxes made with reused waste timber from the construction site.  All hard and soft plastics were segregated and recycled. Insulation offcuts were collected and sent offsite for reuse. 

By reusing 100% of excavated material on-site rather than disposing to landfill, the project saved an estimated £715,000 in avoided disposal costs. This calculation factors in landfill gate fees, landfill tax, and haulage costs minus onsite management expenses, demonstrating that sustainable construction makes both environmental and economic sense. 

8


Apprentices

£25,662,320


SME Spend

£792,000


SROi

8/10


Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Legacy

6718 students engaged with and 115 trainee weeks


Sustainability

4% Biodiversity net gain 25,000m3 excavated materials reused on site


Safe

Zero RIDDORS 


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Aftercare

Soft landings for handover 

Client Testimonials

“This is a great example of how the education sector is being progressive in its approach to sustainability – where operational net zero is fast becoming the norm in construction projects. Early engagement and collaboration between the school, Wiltshire Council and Willmott Dixon resulted in plans for a building which is fit for the future and will create a first-class environment for the children of Silverwood School.”

Kingsley ClarkeSouthern Construction Framework, Operations Lead
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https://southernconstructionframework.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Siverwood-School-May-2025-aerials-6-1-scaled.jpg 1364 2048 Mel https://southernconstructionframework.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Logo.svg Mel2026-01-02 14:23:572026-01-02 14:24:00Silverwood SEND School

Bridges Cross (Lucy Faithful)

January 2, 2026/in London Housing / Supported Housing Homes/by Mel

Bridges Cross (Lucy Faithful)

  • Client

    Oxford City Council

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £19m

  • Completion Date

    23rd November 2023

The Challenge

Willmott Dixon’s specialist residential team worked with OX Place to build Bridges Cross, a new community providing a mix of 36 homes for local people in Speedwell Street. 

Made available for council tenants, shared owners and homeowners, with almost three-quarters affordable. It comprises of a single block of four to six storeys, made up of 18 one-bed flats, 17 two-bed flats and one three-bed flat. 

Bridges Cross was designed by Levitt Bernstein Architects and supported with £1.38m from the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal. It sits on the site of a 13th century Dominican Order (Blackfriars) friary that was demolished after the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1538 


The Solution

To reduce running costs for people living in the homes, Bridges Cross incorporates a “fabric first” approach where the homes are designed with enhanced insulation and air tightness standards. This prevents heat leakage when cold but also supports passive cooling when warm. It is supplemented by rooftop solar PV panels which generate up to 60 per cent of the development’s overall energy use. 

Further features include a green roof that improves air quality, aids natural cooling, absorbs rainwater, and encourages biodiversity 


The Results

The minimal carbon footprint is further supported by being a car-free development, except for two parking spaces equipped with EV chargers for flats adapted to people with mobility needs. Also, every flat is provided with two bike parking spaces 

 

9


Number of apprentices

£10,322,310


SME Spend

£830,000


SROi

7/10


Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Sustainability

All properties within the development will operate at 40% below current government carbon reduction targets


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Safe

Zero RIDDORS


Aftercare

Soft landings for handover 


Legacy

207 :trainee weeks 

Client Testimonials

“At OX Place, our guiding principles have always been to offer design-led, affordable and sustainable homes. Bridges Cross exemplifies this commitment beautifully. Each of the 36 homes we’ve built here reflects our dedication to not just meeting but exceeding expectations in contemporary urban living.” 

“Bridges Cross isn’t just a building. It’s a vibrant community in the making, and I look forward to seeing it thrive.” 

Helen Hornemanaging director of OX Place

“We welcome the completion of this development. Bridges Cross stands as a testament to our commitment to providing homes that are accessible to all, reflecting the urgent need for affordable housing in Oxford”

Lord mayor Lubna Arshad
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The Promise School

January 2, 2026/in South West Education: Primary, Education: Secondary Mental Health, School/by Mel

The Promise School

  • Client

    Devon County Council

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £9.1m

  • Completion Date

    December 2022


The Challenge

An unseasonably wet late winter / early spring in 2023 meant that the playing fields could not be prepared in time for the students, and the external work was slower in delivery than we would have liked. On most other projects, this would not be an issue, but in the setting of a SEMH school, it carries risks that you might not otherwise have. For example, delays with installing fencing meant that the site was not secure, which for this profile of students can present a risk: staff need to be confident that the school site always has secure boundaries. Thankfully due to the strength of Willmott Dixon’s relationships and localism of the majority of trades, the issue was rectified promptly.


The Solution

Careful design and delivery is essential when constructing SEMH schools, where the emphasis is on enabling both a tailored education, usually on a 1 on 1 basis, as well as the development of independence, life skills and confidence for students who would struggle in a mainstream setting. This means that facilities at The Promise include hygiene rooms, therapy and parents’ spaces and calm rooms. Alongside the more typical classroom spaces, staff and support areas, the school has subject specific indoor and outdoor teaching spaces for subjects such as art, PE and food technology – all essential in the development of young people with more complex interpersonal needs. 


The Results

Sustainability was a key consideration throughout both design and delivery of The Promise School with a particular focus on minimising the impact of the building once in use:  

All electric building services are supported by 137 roof mounted PV panels which have a capability to produce 47150kWh of electricity per annum, to assist with running costs and building emissions saving up to 20 tonnes of CO2 annually 

Air Handling Units and Heat Recovery Units installed offer a far more efficient way to ventilate, heat or cool the space 

Life cycle assessment recommendations adopted including slate roofing and timber frame led to a 40% carbon saving 

Adopting a SuDS (Sustainable Drainage System) approach means that any increased surface water run-off from the school will be slowed down before being released into a local water course like a river or reservoir, minimising the risk of localised flooding.  

A material management plan saw 99.4% of construction waste being diverted from landfill, but to go one step further, we also reclassified and reused 700m3 soil that was imported from Exeter City Football training ground!  

 

91.75


SME Spend

1,315,967.42


SROi

8/10


Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Legacy

459 hours of employability skills training in local schools,  

279 hours of community initiatives and engagement and  

10 laptops donated to local social enterprises.  

72.26% of project spend – i.e. on goods and trades – was made within 30 miles of Okehampton, meaning not only lower emissions from transportation but also considerable support for the local economy in Devon. 13 work experience places were provided to local young people and 10 new jobs were created as a result of the project. 


Sustainability

PV Roof Panels – carbon saving of 290,8826kg. This saving is equivalent to planting 4,809 tree seedlings grown over 10 years. 

The Life cycle assessment was used to reduce the embodied carbon of the School.  Based on the design and the changes that have been implemented based on the results of this assessment, there was an estimated total saving of 40% of carbon on this scheme. 


Safe

Zero RIDDORS 


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Aftercare

Soft landings for handover 

https://southernconstructionframework.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20230906-WA0001.jpg 1500 2000 Mel https://southernconstructionframework.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Logo.svg Mel2026-01-02 14:00:382026-01-02 14:00:41The Promise School

Freemantles Secondary School

December 11, 2025/in South East Education: Secondary School/by Mel

Freemantles Secondary School

  • Client

    Surrey County Council

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £15.1m

  • Completion Date

    February 2024

The Challenge

The project faced a multitude of challenges, including a live site adjacent to the construction area, imposing constraints on logistics and site management.

The task of developing a school tailored to cater to the needs of children with severe learning difficulties, particularly those with SEN/ASD, added layers of complexity to the project.

The tight timeline further enhanced the situation, demanding innovative solutions to adhere to the tight programme.

Using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) proved instrumental in achieving both time and cost savings, enabling the project to stay within the confines of the client’s budget while meeting the ambitious schedule.


The Solution

Through a comprehensive lessons learned process, Morgan Sindall Construction established a continuous improvement cycle, capturing insights and best practices from each project stage.

Collaborating with Streif, consultants, and internal design managers, the team refined design coordination processes, emphasizing the importance of early-stage design freeze to streamline offsite manufacturing and to make sure the project was within programme and budget.

The Results

The implementation of these refined processes and strategies led to smoother project progression and minimized potential delays.

By prioritising effective site segregation and communication strategies, Morgan Sindall Construction successfully mitigated disruptions to school operations during construction, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.

This commitment to continuous improvement not only enhanced project efficiency but also reinforced the organization’s reputation for delivering high-quality, impactful construction projects.

Due to using MCC this project achieved significant carbon savings of over 1220 tonnes and reduced transport miles by a staggering 132,000.

The expansion not only met but exceeded expectations, with a 10/10 customer satisfaction rating.

7


Number of work placement weeks

£10m


SME Spend

116%


Added Value

10/10


Client Satisfaction

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Legacy

 5 workless job starts
97 trainee weeks
Schools engagement: 2 careers fairs.
7 work placement week


Aftercare

Soft landings for handover 

Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact 

On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times 


Sustainability

100% timber responsibly sourced 

1220 Tonnes of Carbon saved


Safe

Zero RIDDORS

CCS Score 45/45 


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Client Testimonials

“The experience of working with Morgan Sindall has genuinely been a pleasure, we even looked forward to our weekly meetings with the team! Everyone who’s been involved in this project has done an amazing job and what we’ve got here now is fantastic.

The creative arts space will be a highlight for the children, even creating a vocational space for FE students – turning the room into a cinema where they can sell tickets, serve drinks and control the projector.”

Executive HeadteacherFreemantles
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https://southernconstructionframework.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Freemantles-2-scaled.jpg 1365 2048 Mel https://southernconstructionframework.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Logo.svg Mel2025-12-11 10:27:242025-12-11 10:27:27Freemantles Secondary School

Plymouth Crematorium

December 11, 2025/in South West Civic and Community Remodel/by Mel

Plymouth Crematorium

  • Client

    Plymouth City Council

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £21.7m

  • Completion Date

    July 2024 

The Challenge

The challenge was not only to create a state-of-the-art facility with larger ceremony spaces, advanced technical operations, and a dignified environment rooted in the calmness of the surrounding landscape, but also to do so within a constrained budget and during a period of significant disruption caused by the Covid19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.  

The project was procured through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), which provided a collaborative two stage process and enabled early contractor involvement. This approach proved critical when initial cost planning had to be reviewed.  

The Solution

Through the SCF process, the project team were able to undertake extensive value engineering, identifying more than £4m in savings while maintaining the quality and ambition of the design. At the same time, enabling works such as site access improvements, ecological mitigation, archaeological investigations, and the diversion of a rising sewer main were advanced to keep momentum on site and mitigate programme delays. 

The complexity of the design, requiring careful attention to privacy, dignity, and technical precision in every detail, added further pressure to the delivery. Ultimately, the SCF framework provided the structure for collaboration, transparency, and problem solving that allowed the team to overcome financial and logistical challenges and turn their long held vision of a modern bereavement centre into reality. 

The finished building is divided into three main parts due to the land’s topography and the requirement for separate spaces: two ceremony spaces with ancillary rooms, and a private ‘back of house’ building for technical equipment, support, and welfare facilities. The new facility has designs inspired by the landscape, where the buildings nestle into the slope of the site.  

The Results

The project has delivered three spacious ceremony rooms of differing capacity inspired by Scandinavian design, offer a minimal and tranquil aesthetic. The architectural language, materials and colours used are natural and provide a neutral backdrop for celebrations of any denomination, faith or theme. Large windows provide plenty of natural light and opportunities for reflective views. The latest AV technology for livestreaming services and colour-change lighting settings are also available here.
The modern crematory houses three cremators with space for a fourth. The 17-acre site includes a memorial meadow, dedicated children’s memorial area, and other thoughtfully selected memorials.

 The development also includes offices, a reception, waiting areas, a family room, a meeting room, an administration area, and car parking for mourners. A separate café building with two flexible function rooms is positioned near the main entrance with its own car park. 

This new project replaces outdated facilities with a modern one, maintaining in-house service delivery. The unique design, using local and natural materials, provides a different architectural style rooted in the local vernacular. The design focus of the project was landscape-led, with careful consideration of the building’s location, use of topography, and natural drainage elements delivering the initial brief requirements. 

11


Number of apprentices

93.9


SME Spend

2757 Students


Added Value

Contractor Performance | Commitments


Legacy

Throughout the duration of the project, we completed: Launched the first cohort of Hard Hat Ready, the first 4-week programme focused on bringing the unemployed into employment based on a live site in partnership with Seetec Plus. 31 learners took part in the programme, 30 gained CSCS cards, 28 progressed into employment and/ or apprenticeship opportunities.  

Community Engagement: Throughout the duration of the project, we completed: Kier volunteers dedicated their time to maintaining Weston Mill Cemetery and Efford Crematorium, working through challenging conditions to clear litter and debris from graves and tend to the garden of remembrance. This effort reinforced our commitment to social value, complementing the construction of the new crematorium by supporting the local community and its surroundings.  

Kier supported YMCA Plymouth through initiatives like the young girls’ mentoring programme and the “Pledge to Paint” campaign, which renovated two classrooms that hadn’t been updated in over 20 years. These efforts empowered local youth and improved educational spaces, highlighting Kier’s dedication to creating lasting social value in the community.


Sustainability

Collaborating with the design team and creating a detailed cut and fill model greatly reduced surplus excavation carted away to landfill, saving traffic movements, carbon emissions, time, and costs. The landscaping design was wildlife friendly, incorporating wildflower meadows and tree planting. Efforts were made to maximise retention of existing hedgerows and achieve an ecological net gain of over 10%. This had to be sympathetically done whilst incorporating suitable external features and space for memorialisation’s.  

This project included an extensive SUDs system with associate ponds and included the diversion of an existing watercourse that was enhanced with native planting and bridged. A foul treatment plant was installed to save time and cost by avoiding the need to connect to existing offsite main drainage infrastructure.  

The carbon footprint of the building was reduced by producing renewable energy on site and reducing the power consumption of the building. This has been done by installing a substantial solar arrangement to the rear of the main building, and installing LED lighting installed throughout the premises. Additionally, electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been installed in the car parks. 


Safe

Zero RIDDORS

CCS Score 40/45 


Aftercare

Soft landings for handover 

Dedicated Morgan Sindall point of contact 

On-line portal for notifying any defects with 3 priority categories for response times 


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms

Client Testimonials

“I would not hesitate in recommending Paul for Construction manager of the year, he is professional at all times, brings exceptional experience and knowledge and is an outstanding team leader who developed a caring and committed culture with his staff and the supply chain, which is so fitting for this project that will impact on the whole community of Plymouth”  

Graham SmithHead of Bereavement Service Operations and Development

“Today is a proud, proud day – I feel so lucky to be the portfolio holder and to have overseen this magnificent project to its completion. To think of the difference from the first time that I came here and looked at the plans is staggering. I’d like to thank Kier Construction for a job well done but also praise the Council members and officers who have put their heart and soul into making The Park a success” 

Councillor Sally HaydonCabinet memeber for Community Safety, Libraries, Cemeteries and Crematoria
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