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SMART Centre, South Coast Institute of Technology
–The Challenge
Transforming a tired 1960s Sir Christopher Cockerell Building into a state-of-the-art engineering and maritime technology centre required far more than a conventional refurbishment.
Early investigations uncovered a fragile roof structure with asbestos-containing components, rendering the original design unviable and requiring a fundamental rethink of the construction strategy.
The project also had to preserve the building’s operational marine tow tank, maintain critical live services feeding neighbouring university buildings and safely deliver major structural works within a live campus environment.
All of this had to be achieved without compromising programme, quality or safety, while creating a future-ready facility capable of supporting advanced engineering, robotics and maritime education for decades to come and in time for the start of the 2025/26 academic year.
The Solution
Francis Construction adopted a collaborative, design-led approach that transformed a major project risk into an opportunity for innovation. Working closely with the client, consultants and specialist supply chain during the PCSA, the team fundamentally re-engineered the original solution by replacing the fragile roof with a modern flat roof system while retaining the existing structural frame.
This not only reduced embodied carbon and improved the building’s long-term performance, but also enhanced internal teaching spaces and enabled future renewable energy generation.
Through meticulous planning, phased construction, digital project management and early specialist contractor involvement, the team safely delivered a technically complex refurbishment while maintaining live university operations and achieving programme certainty.
The Results
The SMART Centre stands as a flagship example of how collaborative refurbishment can deliver exceptional environmental, educational and social value.
The project successfully transformed a 60-year-old engineering building into a future-ready centre of excellence, providing over 2,000m² of world-class laboratories and workshops while retaining the original steel structure and reducing embodied carbon by up to 75%.
The project exceeded the client’s sustainability aspirations by achieving SKA Silver, supported the local economy through significant regional supply chain investment, and was delivered with 64,140 hours worked, zero RIDDOR incidents and zero lost-time accidents.
Completed in time for the 2025/26 academic year and officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal, the SMART Centre is now helping to develop the next generation of engineers, maritime professionals and innovators, leaving a lasting legacy for Southampton Solent University and the wider South Coast region.
75%
Reduction in Embodied Carbon
£3.2m (approximately 66%)
Spent with Hampshire-Based Local Supply Chain Partners
80%
Locally Sourced Materials
64,140 hours
Zero RIDDOR Incidents and Zero Lost-Time Accidents
20
Apprentices and Provided Live Site Visits for Construction Management Students
Achieved SKA Silver
Good Practice Measures
Completed in time for the 25–26
Completion
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Legacy
SMART Centre strengthens the regional engineering and maritime skills pipeline
Supporting the South Coast Institute of Technology
Apprenticeships and student engagement
Sustainability
Retained primary structure
Reduced embodied carbon by up to 75%
Future-ready roof for PVs, SKA Silver
Safe
64,140 hours worked with zero RIDDORs and zero lost-time accidents
Phased roof replacement
Crash decks
Segregated live campus access
Fair
Collaborative two-stage procurement
Open-book cost planning
Early supply-chain engagement
Prompt payment practices
Aftercare
Digital handover through Procore providing a single source of truth with QA records
Drawings and asset information
Hopescourt SEN School
–
The Challenge
With a growing demand for SEND spaces, Surrey County Council had to find a solution which could provide as many opportunities as possible for local children with SEND requirements.
As the site was an old landfill that had been soiled over years ago, we also had to identify a strategy which prevented a significant amount of top soil from leaving site, to avoid additional carbon emissions and traffic in the local area.
–
The Solution
We created a fenced off exclusion zone for the Exolum Pipeline, which was carefully monitored throughout the project. In addition to regular progress updates with Exolum, we sought approval for any works within 3 meters of the zone, with a representative from Exolum present to witness. As a result our operations had no impact on the gas main.
Through a comprehensive remediation strategy we were able to sieve and clean the top soil to ensure its safe reuse on site. An additional layer of top soil was also installed to ensure the students never come into contact with any landfill materials, providing peace of mind.
The Results
The new school sets the benchmark for sustainable SEND schools, with tailored learning facilities which provide 150 additional local students with the opportunity to thrive in an environment that meets their individual needs. Sensory circuit rooms have been created to help children regulate their senses, alongside a dedicated quiet room attached to each classroom to help with over-stimulation. Each room has a glass vision panel to ensure teachers always have sight and learning can continue undisrupted. The school also promotes inclusivity and prevents bullying by adopting open-plan unisex toilets and wider corridors to accommodate those with disabilities.
Not only has this school created new job opportunities for local people but many students are seeing overall wellbeing improvements due to no longer having to drive up to 2 hours out of the county to attend school. Long term energy in-use monitoring means the school will continue to operate as efficiently as possible to allow even more students to benefit form this supportive learning environment.
396
Apprentice training weeks
67%
SME Spend
£2,239,540
SROI
8/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Legacy
6 work experience students, 135 pupils engaged and 16 apprentices
212 site operatives within 10 miles
Sustainability
up to 15% carbon and cost saving through post-occupation energy monitoring
99.9% construction waste diverted from landfill
Safe
Zero RIDDORS
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Aftercare
Soft landings for handover
InterCity Place
The Challenge
InterCity Place is a ten-storey former office building completed in 1962 as part of Plymouth Railway Station and in line with the post war Abercrombie plan for Plymouth. The building had lain dormant for at least a decade and at time of possession was in a semi-derelict condition.
In 2018 the opportunity to take a long lease of the former InterCity House building arose and the University embarked on a transformational project to revitalise the building. InterCity Place provides the start of a new chapter for the University’s health education.
InterCity Place brings together the University’s School of Health Professions and School of Nursing and Midwifery. It co-locates two complementary groups of future healthcare workers where they have previously been dispersed at various sites across Plymouth.
The Solution
To overcome these constraints, the team delivered a full design‑and‑build refurbishment centred on a bespoke new façade system and re‑engineered building services solution suited to the tight site and railway restrictions.
A specialist temporary‑works approach was developed with KPS and Mabey, including cantilevered scaffold brackets fixed to first‑floor columns and movement‑monitoring systems, enabling safe façade removal and replacement without disrupting rail operations.
Internally, the building was redesigned floor‑by‑floor to house clinical simulation suites, physiotherapy and neurophysiology labs, and specialist teaching environments, while a technical MEP redesign introduced decentralised MVHR units and coordinated ventilation through the new façade.
Fire integrity issues were resolved through the application of Mandolite cementitious spray to provide 120‑minute protection across all floors.
Fire integrity issues were resolved through the application of Mandolite cementitious spray to provide 120‑minute protection across all floors.
The Results
The completed Intercity Place provides the University of Plymouth with a flagship, modern facility supporting the training of nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals.
The project achieved high sustainability standards, including SKA Gold, and significantly improved the building’s performance through natural light optimisation, localised ventilation systems and the integration of roof‑mounted PV panels. Despite the high‑risk, constrained environment and extensive technical challenges, the project delivered a high‑quality education and clinical‑training space, strengthened by strong collaboration with stakeholders and praised by the client for its innovation, attention to detail and delivery standards.
9
Number of apprentices
2435 Students
Engaged with us
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
For the main works each package was carefully considered on its own merit and procured through a competitive tendering process. Enquiries were issued to local known companies and on a national level to increase the supply chain network. Expectations regarding pricing, delivery, programme and payment terms were clearly communicated and this ensured trust was built from the start and minimised any misunderstanding.
The team ensured that prices offered by suppliers were fair and competitive within the industry. Fair pricing incentivises suppliers to work safely, maintain quality and meet required timeframes. The payment terms negotiated ensured they that were fair to both parties and considered factors such as the supplier’s cash flow needs and the nature of the goods or services provided. The project also operated HSE and Quality based incentivisation such a vouchers to promote exemplar standards.
Sustainability
We achieved EPC B on a 1960’s building and In 2023, the University became only the second UK university to be externally verified as carbon neutral, and the commitments which led to that have been continued through InterCity Place. The project is rated SKA Gold, and over 1,800 tonnes of embodied carbon have been saved by re-using the existing structural frame rather than building from new.
The true social influence of the building will be demonstrated over coming years. However, since it opened in August 2023, it has led to increased interest in the University’s healthcare programmes. This includes a rise in the number of students placing Plymouth as their preferred study destination. Ultimately, this will help one of the NHS’s key objectives outlined in the 2020/21 People Plan and the current NHS Long Term Plan.
Safe
Although InterCity Place was outside the scope of Building Safety Act Kier insured the principles of the Golden Thread were taken into account by ensuring the traceability of fire protection measures and ensuring that the right people have the right information at the right time to ensure buildings are safe and building safety risks are managed throughout the building’s lifecycle. In addition the fireproofing had to increase from 30min to 120 min fire resistance to the soffits and columns because of the change from office to education use, requiring compliance with current building regulation standards and the reduction of the concrete upstands to facilitate the new façade weight.
During construction, there were a small number of isolated health and safety challenges. The site management team took responsibility for these and as part of the ‘no blame’ culture, which encourages honesty and transparency, took these as learning opportunities to be shared with the teams. Kier received specific praise from the Southern Construction Framework for the way they cascaded learning from these incidents to wider supply chain members on the framework.
Legacy
The construction delivered two new graduate positions, 25 new sub-contractor qualifications, seven apprenticeships, 71 short duration industry certificates and training courses, 19 placement weeks on site, and provided 31 hours at construction careers information advice and guidance events. The site team also engaged with 2,388 university construction and architectural students.
Aftercare
The new occupants continue to provide positive feedback on the specialist teaching and research spaces provided. Early indications from student open days are also encouraging with greater numbers of first preference applications being received. The enhanced specialist teaching and research facilities coupled with the latest IT and AV solutions, have transformed the teaching and learning environment.
Exeter Bus Station
The Challenge
The former bus station, over 60 years old, was deteriorating, suffered water ingress, and no longer met the needs of a modern transport hub. It occupied a large city centre site, required full redevelopment, and the ground beneath was heavily contaminated with hydrocarbons and heavy metals, necessitating remediation before work could proceed.
The project also required a significant archaeological investigation, where Roman remains and features were uncovered, carefully recorded, mapped and reburied without delaying the programme. At the same time, parts of the existing bus station had to remain operational during construction, requiring major logistical planning, route changes, and extensive community communication. ‑centre site, required full redevelopment, and the ground beneath was heavily contaminated with hydrocarbons and heavy metals, necessitating remediation before work could proceed.
The project also required a significant archaeological investigation, where Roman remains and features were uncovered, carefully recorded, mapped and reburied without delaying the programme. At the same time, parts of the existing bus station had to remain operational during construction, requiring major logistical planning, route changes, and extensive community communication.
The Solution
Kier delivered the project under a design and build contract, progressing an existing Stage 3 design into a coordinated Stage 4 solution with Arup and Space & Place. The new bus station was constructed on piled foundations with a steel frame, standing seam roof and full height glazed concourse frontage that provides a modern, welcoming arrival experience. Accessibility was deeply embedded into the design, with full level access, automated doors, wayfinding colour schemes developed with local RNIB groups, and an enclosed passenger concourse featuring ticketing, refreshment facilities, real time information displays, and staff welfare spaces.
Contaminated ground was treated through a bentonite wall and bund system prior to excavation, while archaeological works were completed using GPR scanning and carefully planned trenching.
Throughout the build, Kier maintained partial operation of the existing bus station and shared site logistics with the neighbouring St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre.‑seam roof and full‑height glazed concourse frontage that provides a modern, welcoming arrival experience. Accessibility was deeply embedded into the design, with full level access, automated doors, wayfinding colour schemes developed with local RNIB groups, and an enclosed passenger concourse featuring ticketing, refreshment facilities, real‑time information displays, and staff welfare spaces. Contaminated ground was treated through a bentonite wall and bund system prior to excavation, while archaeological works were completed using GPR scanning and carefully planned trenching.
The Results
The completed Exeter Bus Station provides 12 modern bus stands, an enclosed, fully accessible concourse, improved public facilities, and better staff accommodation.
The station now acts as a high‑quality gateway to the city, supporting green transport and aligning with Exeter’s long‑term City Point regeneration plan, unlocking land for up to 500 new homes and further development.
The project achieved BREEAM Very Good with excellent environmental performance, created 83 construction jobs, delivered 27 work placements, 464 waged training weeks, and ensured 69% of the supply chain came from the Devon/Somerset area.
Community disruption was kept extremely low, with the bus complaints hotline “hardly ever ringing” thanks to clear communication throughout. The project successfully navigated through the pandemic, with all external service connections carried out without traffic congestion.
9
Number of apprentices
93.9
SME Spend
2757 Students
Added Value
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Sustainability
Exeter Bus Station was designed with sustainability in mind, achieving BREEAM ‘Very Good’ and an ‘Excellent’ score for energy‑related measures, which reflects a considerate, long‑term approach to performance.
On this long‑used city‑centre plot, the team carefully remediated the brownfield ground—installing a bentonite cut‑off wall and bund, then safely removing hydrocarbon and heavy‑metal contamination—so the site could be enjoyed safely for years to come.
Durable, low‑maintenance finishes were chosen to help the building age gracefully and reduce whole‑life impacts.
The new hub also makes better use of land by bringing operations onto a smaller, more efficient footprint, supporting the wider City Point regeneration in a gentle, joined‑up way.
With 12 modern bus stands and a comfortable enclosed concourse, it encourages everyday journeys by public transport, helping nudge travel habits toward lower‑carbon choices.
Accessibility was shaped with local partners, including the RNIB, so features like level access, automated doors and supportive wayfinding colours make greener travel welcoming and easy for everyone.
The project also took care to respect Exeter’s heritage, using ground‑penetrating radar and carefully planned trenching to record and protect Roman remains discovered on site.
And during construction, sharing site facilities with the neighbouring St Sidwell’s Point project reduced duplication and made thoughtful use of resources.
Legacy
Exeter Bus Station leaves a clear, long‑term legacy for the city: during construction it created apprentice opportunities for nine people, delivered 464 waged training weeks and 27 work placements, and even supported a 45‑week virtual T‑Level programme with Exeter College—building local skills and career pathways that outlast the project itself.
The completed hub is fully accessible and was shaped with local partners such as the RNIB, providing level access throughout, automated doors and intuitive wayfinding colours, so everyday journeys are easier and safer for all users.
By consolidating an outdated facility onto a smaller, more effective footprint, the scheme also helps unlock the wider CityPoint regeneration—freeing up land for up to 500 homes and new mixed uses—while boosting the local economy through 83 construction jobs and a supply chain that drew 69% of its partners from Devon/Somerset.
Safe
Live‑site logistics and stakeholder planning kept passengers segregated during construction; ground contamination was contained and removed; archaeology and services were managed with GPR and controlled trenching; the finished hub uses automated stand doors and inclusive layouts for safe flows; passive fire protection was delivered by certified specialists; and, post‑opening, 24/7 CCTV integration enhances on‑site security.
Aftercare
Delivered under JCT D&B 2016 with SCF’s Handover & Aftercare commitments, the team provided structured training, searchable O&M manuals, early post‑handover on‑site support, an online defects portal and a dedicated defects manager through the Rectification Period; operationally, the Council and Stagecoach have since enhanced safety with 24/7 city‑linked CCTV monitoring.
Fair
69% of the supply chain came from the Devon/Somerset area and accessibility was co‑designed with RNIB and bus user groups—level access throughout, automated doors, and wayfinding colour schemes to ensure equitable use for all passengers. The project ran with extensive stakeholder engagement (bus & coach operators), kept parts of the old station live, and maintained clear public communications—the bus complaints hotline “hardly ever rang.
Brixham Fire Station
The Challenge
The site is located on a busy road through the centre of Brixham with blocks of flats either side and a steep retaining wall to the rear. During the summer period an “embargo” on works to any highway or footpath is strictly enforced by the Local Authority.
The existing building was situated on the edge of the public footpath and had to be carefully demolished by hand.
The project was largely delivered during the Covid lockdown, and it was extremely difficult to deliver the works on such a small and confined site whilst maintaining social distancing. To help with this we used one way systems, allocated staggered breaks, extra cleaning of welfare units.
During the Enabling works, a previously un-identified asbestos lagged pipe was discovered within the ground floor of the old building due for demolition. This required isolation, identification and a 14-day notification to the HSE prior to its removal. The demolition could not be completed until the asbestos was safely removed.
The Solution
The site was situated on a main road with a public footpath across the front, residential flats either side and a steep bank to the rear that required stabilisation. We had to carefully plan the project logistics to maintain the safety of the public, minimise disruption to the town, particularly during the summer tourist months and ensure our site operatives had the space to maintain social distancing. The project team developed and implemented robust control procedures, larger site accommodation and traffic management to mitigate impact on the local road network.
Kier undertook the early demolition of the existing building in order to complete further site investigations and surveys and to minimise the risk of delays and additional costs caused by the discovery of any unknown services, drainage or unexpected ground conditions/features. This offset the programme impact when the asbestos lagged pipe was discovered.
The project went considerably over budget and Kier provided a VE schedule of £200k, however, only £55,683 was eventually taken by the client.
The Results
The station has been designed to make a positive contribution to the environment reducing the building’s carbon footprint. This has been achieved by implementing a fabric first approach with high performing building envelope. This is finished in a combination of metal rainscreen, stonework, profiled metal deck roofing, render and glazing. A roof mounted PV array provides green energy whilst heating is supplied via an air source heat pump to reduce long term operational costs of the facility and minimise carbon creation.
Whilst the external landscape was minimal, it includes a tarmac hardstanding, vehicle wash down attenuation, paving, stone retaining walls and carefully considered planting to enhance biodiversity and the local street scene.
1
Number of apprentices
83%
SME Spend
£323,000
Added Value
9/10
Client Satisfaction
Client Testimonials
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Fair
For the main works each package was carefully considered on its own merit and procured through a competitive tendering process. Enquiries were issued to local known companies and on a national level to increase the supply chain network. Expectations regarding pricing, delivery, programme and payment terms were clearly communicated and this ensured trust was built from the start and minimised any misunderstanding.
The team ensured that prices offered by suppliers were fair and competitive within the industry. Fair pricing incentivises suppliers to work safely, maintain quality and meet required timeframes. The payment terms negotiated ensured they that were fair to both parties and considered factors such as the supplier’s cash flow needs and the nature of the goods or services provided. The project also operated HSE and Quality based incentivisation such a vouchers to promote exemplar standards.
Sustainability
We achieved EPC B on a 1960’s building and In 2023, the University became only the second UK university to be externally verified as carbon neutral, and the commitments which led to that have been continued through InterCity Place. The project is rated SKA Gold, and over 1,800 tonnes of embodied carbon have been saved by re-using the existing structural frame rather than building from new.
The true social influence of the building will be demonstrated over coming years. However, since it opened in August 2023, it has led to increased interest in the University’s healthcare programmes. This includes a rise in the number of students placing Plymouth as their preferred study destination. Ultimately, this will help one of the NHS’s key objectives outlined in the 2020/21 People Plan and the current NHS Long Term Plan.
Legacy
The construction delivered two new graduate positions, 25 new sub-contractor qualifications, seven apprenticeships, 71 short duration industry certificates and training courses, 19 placement weeks on site, and provided 31 hours at construction careers information advice and guidance events. The site team also engaged with 2,388 university construction and architectural students.
Safe
Zero Riddors
Aftercare
The new occupants continue to provide positive feedback on the specialist teaching and research spaces provided. Early indications from student open days are also encouraging with greater numbers of first preference applications being received. The enhanced specialist teaching and research facilities coupled with the latest IT and AV solutions, have transformed the teaching and learning environment.
London Borough Tower Hamlets Civic Centre
The Challenge
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets needed a modern, efficient civic hub to consolidate services and improve accessibility for residents. The existing facilities were outdated and scattered, creating inefficiencies and limiting engagement. The project required transforming the historic former Royal London Hospital building into a sustainable, inclusive Town Hall while preserving its heritage features.
There are some complex challenges to overcome – An emergency helicopter flight path above; a London Underground tunnel below; a combination of busy roads and party walls around the site and the proximity of two large, working hospitals, the Royal London Dental Hospital and the Royal London Hospital.
The Solution
Procured through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), Bouygues UK delivered a comprehensive refurbishment and extension of the Grade II listed building, integrating modern office spaces, public meeting areas, and council chambers. The team worked closely with conservation specialists to retain key architectural elements while introducing energy-efficient systems and contemporary design. Collaboration with the client ensured the building met high sustainability standards, including BREEAM Excellent certification, and provided flexible spaces for community use.
The Results
The new Tower Hamlets Town Hall opened as a centralised civic hub , improving service delivery and accessibility for residents. The project successfully blended heritage preservation with modern functionality, creating a welcoming environment for staff and the public. The building now stands as a landmark of sustainable regeneration, supporting the borough’s commitment to community engagement and environmental responsibility delivered through SCF’s collaborative procurement approach.
Furthermore, throughout the four-year build Bouygues created local employment opportunities, training, and apprenticeships, and developed lasting systems, capable of reducing any potential negative impacts on the planet. Showing the builds commitment to social value to the care and protection of our planet.
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Legacy
403 employed people from Tower Hamlets and Growth Boroughs
19 apprentices employed
Over 160 hours of work experience.
Sustainability
BREEAM ‘excellent rating for sustainability
240 bicycles spaces
Air source heat pump and Rainwater harvesting system
Adpar Street, Torridon House, Queens Park Court
The Challenge
The scope for this package of works was to strip back cladding which had partially been installed by a previous contractor delivering 3 residential infill projects for Westminster City Council. We were appointed to redesign and replace the existing cladding through the use of specialist supply chain.
The scope for this element entailed stripping back to the external sheathing board. However, once we had removed the existing installation, we noticed that a lot of the sheathing board was damaged and also showing signs of water damage. Due to the damage to the board it needed to be removed and replaced. Once this had been agreed with the customer, we commenced the removal of the existing sheathing board but once we started to remove this layer, we discovered further issues.
The structural metal framing system supporting the cladding had become corroded and showed signs of rust in various places which brings into question the structural integrity of the frame work and would therefore require further investigation and discussions around a solution. Up until this point, there were no early signs that this issue may be present as there were no signs of water ingress internally indicating that it had been getting through the cladding system and causing damage/corrosion to the framework behind.
The Solution
At the time that this issue was discovered, the critical path of the programme was through the façade works. Therefore, we knew that any delay to this element would cause a direct impact on the completion date of the project pushing it back. The severity of the impact would depend on two things, firstly how quickly we could investigate and look at various solutions and secondly, the timescale relating to the chosen solution.
The additional time incurred by these works would directly impact the perimeter access scaffold being removed and subsequently being able to progress the external works including drainage which allows the building commissioning to take place to the mechanical systems. We came up with 3 solutions that would need to be discussed with the customer and the impact ranged from a 3 week delay with minimal costs, all the way up to a 13 week delay and in excess of £500k.
Our relationship with the customer has always been very good with open discussions and joint decisions being made. The customer fully understood the challenge presented and the impact it would have on the project.
The Results
The first action we undertook was to accurately survey the issue and produce a report of all the locations where the corrosion had occurred. Once this had been compiled, we contacted a couple of different engineers and suppliers to gain an assessment of the impact and potential solutions.
From these discussions we came up with three options for resolution.
The first was to leave the metal framework as it is and do nothing which would incur the minimal cost (only the delay caused by the investigation) but this held the greatest risk for the customer was not something we recommended.
The second solution was to fully remove all the metal framework across the façade which would also require a lot of internal works to be stripped out. This solution would give the customer a full warranty on the installation but at the cost of more than a 3 month delay to the project and more than £500k in costs. This option obviously had huge impacts on the project as a whole.
The third option put forward was to treat the corroded areas and introduce reinforcing brackets to add robustness and integrity the existing installation. This would incur some costs and a delay of 7-8 weeks but reduced the residual risk in the project considerably for the customer and would limit the delay to the project completion.
From first identifying the problem through investigations, finding solutions, communicating these with costs and time impacts through to agreeing a way forward, this took 2 weeks. We were able to act fast and contact the right people to minimise any delay caused through the initial findings and concentrate on the solution.
8
Number of apprentices
93%
Local Spend
85%
SME Engagement
9/10
Client Satisfaction
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Legacy
Homes for 65 families including 20 being for elderly or vulnerable residents of Westminster.
Aftercare
2 year period agreed
Soft landings for handover
Sustainability
100% diverted from landfill
Safe
Zero RIDDORS
Fair
100% of supply chain payments made on time
Lawrence Weston Housing
The Challenge
The site had buried services that served prior dwellings. These had been isolated but still needed to be worked around when delivering new services: power, water, broadband and Virgin Media infrastructure as well as the ground source heat pumps that would provide sustainable energy to the properties. Intricate planning and delivery were needed to keep things safe – not just for the site but for local residents in situ.
The plot had occupied properties at the front and rear so needed a considerate approach to avoid disturbances for local residents. Access was also a challenge, with a single track road part of access plans to site and a need for road closures that impacted on local residents. Weekly meetings with Bristol City Council and a strong relationship with local community groups kept everyone aware of activity on site and minimised disruption.
The project was located on a steep hill, but there was an aspiration to provide usable outside space to residents.
This meant extensive terracing – lawn was designed to be no steeper than a 1 in 12 gradient! – and the use of many retaining walls, which added to the complexity of the project.
The Solution
Originally conceived pre-pandemic, by the time the project started in 2023 it required value engineering to keep within budget and a review to reflect updates to Part L and Part F regulations. The finished project, however, does not scrimp on quality. All properties were connected to broadband prior to occupation, modern and sustainable facilities such as cycle stores and EV charging points are provided to all and despite the site’s hillside location, all properties have fully terraced gardens, increasing usable outdoor space. Changing the design from modular to timber frame enabled additional cost savings without compromising on the style and quality of the properties.
As with all projects procured under the SCF, over 70% of the project’s supply chain was sourced locally, which demonstrates our commitment to local and regional economies as well as reduced environmental impact.
The Results
The development at Lawrence Weston comprises of 57 affordable housing units. These are a mix of building types from one bed to four bed dwellings: a mix of maisonettes, townhouses and houses. All are designed with high sustainable credentials to minimise running costs and provide high quality yet affordable accommodation suiting the needs of modern family life.
Integrating practical sustainability fit for the future into the properties at Lawrence Weston was also important. Each property benefits from low energy lighting to reduce running costs and the double insulated walls offer high air tightness for high energy efficiency. Furthermore, properties have energy supplied by ground source heat pumps, the supply of which involved the careful drilling of 13 wells, 150m into bedrock with access to the wellheads provided for maintenance.
14
Apprentices
83.83%
SME Spend
£1,304,795
SROi
8/10
Client Satisfaction
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Legacy
21 Jobs created
28 Work experience placements
10 Careers in Construction Information, Advice and Guidance events
553 Training weeks delivered
45 Qualifying the workforce
6 Training qualifications
Sustainability
Each dwelling had been assessed against Part L 2021 to check for individual compliance. The annual energy consumed by the GSHPs across the Lawrence Weston sites has been calculated by combining the space heating and domestic hot water consumption for each dwelling across the scheme. This is then compared against the space heating and hot water demand, to establish how much energy is saved as a result of use of GSHPs. The use of the GSHPs saves a total of 186,195 kWh/yr of electrical energy. This equates to a carbon emissions reduction of 5.39 kgCO2/m2/yr, which is 46% of the development’s total regulated carbon emissions.
Safe
Zero RIDDORS
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Aftercare
Soft landings for handover
Client Testimonials
Dorset Police Headquarters
The Challenge
Dorset Police wanted to future proof the Force’s estate and deliver fit-for-purpose facilities for officers, staff, volunteers and our communities, making sustainability an integral part of the vision, but also meeting the expectations of the communities who wanted to feel more connected to their police.
The Solution
The project involved the delivery of a 30,000 sq ft three-storey ‘Grade A’ office building, laid out to encourage communication and cross-department collaboration. It has breakout spaces, a café and external landscaped areas for staff to decompress. The exterior incorporates a contemporary mixture of facing brickwork and glazed curtain walling. A new memorial garden, alongside a series of garden spaces for socialisation, education, retreat and outreach, emulating the surrounding heathland and incorporating locally significant species into new habitat as well as housing the site’s relocated war memorial.
Sustainability was a key driver of the brief with air source heat pumps and a collection of photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy for supplementary power generation included in the delivery. A comprehensive acoustic strategy was designed to address indoor ambient noise, reverberation control and sound insulation developed to support winning the sustainability standard of BREEAM ‘Very Good’. Willmott Dixon’s Energy Synergy™ technology is now monitoring the completed building’s operational energy usage to ensure it runs as designed.
The project demonstrated its commitment to environmental excellence through a circular approach to materials management. Instead of sending excavated soil to landfill—avoiding 210 lorry trips and 32 km of transport—the team followed a materials management plan under the CLAiRE DoWCoP. Nearly all of the material was reused locally to form two landscaped mounds on the nearby North Field, achieving 100% diversion from landfill. This approach also saved the project nearly £65,000.
The Results
This innovative blue light design creates a space that successfully blends sustainability with security and staff-wellbeing, developing a new model for future blue light buildings that allow the police force to develop a more agile and collaborative approach whilst helping them to meet existing and future demand.
The outdoor memorial garden not only promote increased wellbeing through breakout spaces and group seating, providing an area for people to get much needed time away from their desks, but it also supports increased biodiversity through 35 new trees, 25 shrubs and over 7000 plants.
The completed scheme was delivered with no interruption to service provision.
6
Apprentices
£12,065,000
SME Spend
£747,872
SROi
8/10
Client Satisfaction
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Legacy
5 career events, 301 traineeship weeks, 79 Qualifications achieved, 123 Green skills training weeks
Safe
Zero RIDDORS
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
Aftercare
Soft landings for handover
Client Testimonials
Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) Fordway
The Challenge
Surrey County Council identified a need for a modern, purpose‑built Alternative Provision facility to support young people who require specialist behavioural, emotional, and pastoral support. The existing provision was in an aging building that was not suitable for contemporary teaching.
Key challenges included:
Delivering a safe and calm learning environment tailored for vulnerable learners.
A constrained site surrounded by school, college and an antenatal clinic, residential properties, demanding a sensitive construction approach.
Balancing high‑performance sustainability targets with budget constraints.
The Solution
Morgan Sindall delivered a high‑quality, two‑storey specialist education building using a modern timber panel system with an external skin of bricks to maximise speed and minimise disruption. The design centred around calm, therapeutic spaces with clear lines of sight, breakout areas, and integrated pastoral support rooms.
Key features included:
Creation of 4 classrooms, calm rooms, Therapy rooms, group rooms and a large food room/Kitchen.
Installation of acoustic treatment, and controlled‑access systems to enhance safety.
Offsite‑manufactured components to shorten programme duration and reduce vehicle movements.
Close collaboration with school leadership to shape the internal layout.
Implementation of a strict logistics plan and safeguarding protocols for staff, pupils, and visitors.
Early engagement with subcontractors to maintain cost certainty and programme resilience.
The Results
The project was delivered providing Surrey County Council with a robust, future‑proof Alternative Provision facility that supports the borough’s wider inclusion strategy.
Key project outcomes:
A high‑quality teaching environment designed specifically for students with additional behavioural and emotional needs.
Improved line‑of‑sight supervision enabling staff to provide safer, more responsive support.
Minimal disruption to the neighbouring school, with zero impact on term‑time operations.
Improved site safety and security, with controlled access, robust CCTV coverage, and safer pupil movement routes, reducing safeguarding risks.
Flexible teaching zones incorporated to allow the school to adapt provision as student needs evolve, supporting both small‑group intervention work and individual mentoring
79.3 weeks
Number of apprentices
73%
SME Spend
9/10
Client Satisfaction
Contractor Performance | Commitments
Legacy
31 No of SMEs, 4 jobs created, 29 trainee weeks, 6 students engaged
£650 donations to charity, £3,887,435.91 LM3 (Supply chain)
85% social value created
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% waste diverted from landfill
100% timber responsibly sourced
Safe
Zero RIDDORs
CCS Score 42/45
Fair
100% payment within 30 days terms
