Northgate Primary School
Bridgwater, Somerset
Project Details
Project Summary
New build 2FE primary school with nursery classes in a two-storey building with upper floor built to shell and core only to allow the school to be opened as 1FE.
Enabling works involved asbestos strip and demolition of existing hospital buildings occupying the site.
Design Intent
Kier and the design team worked collaboratively to create two alternative solutions, one of which incorporated the client’s land-swap proposal. We worked closely with the Client and Planners to ensure that either proposal would be acceptable. Ultimately, the land deal was completed, and the Client’s preferred option was approved.
The original plan was to include two grass pitches. The pitch specification was subsequently upgraded to include a grass pitch and an all-weather to enable community use.
The initial concept design included brick facades which was not favoured by the Planners and so we redesigned the scheme with a cladding finish that met the Planners Conditions and the Client’s budget.
Kier used our ‘fabric first’ approach to environmental performance management. Through robust design detailing and confidence in our quality installation, we were able to increase the insulation and air-tightness of the building such that the proposed roof-mounted PV cells could be removed from the project and yet still achieve Part L/EPC building performance.
Design Development
The programme was driven by the need to achieve completion and occupation of the school to coincide with the new academic year.
During the project the Academy were chosen to run the school. Working in close collaboration with them and Somerset Council a number of changes were accommodated to allow the final layouts to be amended to suit their operational teaching requirements.
As part of the works a 4G sports pitch was installed to be shared with the local community.
Value Added
Kier were appointed to carry out the demolition of the existing buildings occupying the site and during that phase saved the crushed recycled aggregates to utilise on the new project therefore saving the client considerable sums for disposal of the waste.
The works included areas of ground remediation. This carried out in conjunction with the landscape architect, whereby levels carefully remodelled to minimise soil removals and costs.
“Excellent collaborative approach, the project team worked very well together. Very good quality of service and product.”
John Houlihan
Strategic Manager – Corporate Property
Somerset County Council
“A very impressive project showing the enthusiasm of the site team.”
Considerate Constructors Scheme
Performance Beyond Compliance
Score 42/50
