Engineering and Digital Technology Park, University of Chichester

June 24, 2020/in Education: Further / Higher University/by Gabby Stevens

Engineering & Digital Technology Park, University of Chichester

Bognor Regis

Project Details

Client

University of Chichester

Project Manager

AECOM

Architect

Stride Treglown

Contractor

Galliford Try

Value

£21.3m

Contract Period

85 weeks

Procurement Type

Two-Stage

Form of Contract

NEC3 Option A

Size

6,340sqm

Apprentices

700 weeks

Project Summary

The Engineering and Digital Technology Park provides a purpose built facility for the Engineering & Design and Creative & Digital Technologies departments. A landmark STEM building that was officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

In addition to providing a range of research and practical spaces for these two departments, the new building includes the creation of a Research Centre for Sustainable Operations and Departments of Data Science and Advanced Engineering & Design.

The building is available for use by the industry and provides a large multipurpose engineering laboratory incorporating workshop, cleanroom and wet area, facilities to teach electronics and Computer Aided Design (CAD), a fabrication laboratory, prototype manufacturing facilities and collaborative co-working spaces.

The Creative & Digital Technologies Department includes 2no. sound stages, digital editing studios as well as a TV production studio, green room, social learning spaces and ancillary facilities.

The site is located within a flood zone 3 area, which posed a significant challenge for the design and construction, involving Galliford Try and the design team undertaking significant flood risk assessment modelling to ensure the design was deliverable.

This important project for the area was opened by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in October 2018 and achieved BREEAM Excellent.

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“The university’s engineering and digital technology park will produce the engineering and scientific skills that the UK economy needs, particularly at a time when Brexit gives an even greater emphasis on the need for our economy to be internationally and industrially competitive.”

Professor Clive BehaggVice Chancellor, University of Chichester

Project Takeaways

Value Added

BREEAM Excellent
Social Added Value: £275,705

KPI’s & Statistics

Contract	Gateway 2 Planning	Gateway 3 Contract Agreement	Variation
Cost	£32m	£21.3m (included scope reduction)	-33.60%
Time	77 weeks	85 weeks	10.70%

Average CCS Score: 41

Marland School

June 24, 2020/in Education: Secondary Refurbishment, School/by Gabby Stevens

Marland School

Torrington, Devon

Project Details

Client

Devon County Council

Project Manager

NPS Group

Architect

NPS Group

Contractor

Morgan Sindall

Value

£3.8m

Contract Period

98 weeks

Procurement Type

Build with CDP

Form of Contract

NEC ECC Option A

Size

1,158m2

Apprentices

Project Summary

Marland School is a pioneering establishment and makes up one of 10 special schools in the Devon wide SENtient Co-operative Foundation Trust, maintained by Devon County Council’s Local Education Authority.

These outstanding school accommodation buildings, funded by Devon County Council were a two phase development creating a new Specialised Educational Needs facility in North Devon. The first phase was to create a new traditional build accommodation block for the provision of 25 new term-time residential places for Year 6 to 11 male students from across Devon.

Attractively dressed in vertical larch timber cladding sat on brickwork, the building blends effortlessly with the surrounding environment. The traditional build structure comprised of strip foundations, insitu concrete, with block and brick external walls, timber trussed roofing, along with metal cladding finishing off the highly sustainable build. Marland School is a highly energy efficient, environmentally friendly building for future generations.

The second phase focused on the refurbishment of existing residential accommodation within the main school. This included widening corridors, forming openings, layout changes and new electrical and mechanical installations. The main aim of the project was to provide separation of educational and residential accommodation.

Phase 2 of the project was completed in conjunction with the building being occupied with pupils. Both phases were completed successfully on time, within the 92 weeks period and receiving Perfect Delivery by the client.

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Key Challenges

Working on a live SEN site

The safeguarding of pupils was the main priority throughout the works, with full segregation of the works, high security measures and strict access/ egress controls to and from site. Any potential disruptive works such as the isolation and installation of services during Phase 1, were undertaken during the school holidays, when the building was unoccupied. These overlapped works between Phases 1 and 2 of the refurbishment were required to be completed before students occupied the completed Phase 1 area, allowing the Phase 2 work area to be isolated.

Coordinated deliveries in a small village location

Coordinating deliveries in a small village location with unsuitable roads for articulated lorries: Deliveries were scheduled on ridged loads or broken down to small lorries. The roof trusses were re-designed to arrive in two sections and bolted on-site due to transit restrictions.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

Creating a positive transition for pupils, allowing students to visit the new residential accommodation and interacting positively with them and answering any questions.
Providing a smooth process for all parties; ensuring any client concerns and issues were dealt with promptly throughout the project.
Regular safety meetings and security was critical, particularly within a live SEN school, these ensured the site was always safe and to a high standard.

Our Learnings

There were minor isolated quality issues, however these were quickly resolved.
The tender period was challenging and longer than expected, therefore regular communication of delays is required.

Value Added

Extensive VE was carried out, generating a saving of £190k.
Both phases of the project were completed successfully on time, within the 92 weeks period and received Perfect Delivery from the client.

KPI’s & Statistics

Contract	Gateway 2 Planning	Gateway 3 Contract Agreement	Variation
Cost	£3,452,052	£3,766,728	9.1%
Time	74 weeks	78 weeks	5.4%

Okehampton Primary School

June 24, 2020/in Education: Primary, Social Legacy School/by Gabby Stevens

Okehampton Primary School

Okehampton, Devon

Project Details

Client

Devon County Council

Project Manager

NPS Group

Architect

NPS Group

Contractor

Morgan Sindall

Value

£4.76m

Contract Period

56 weeks

Procurement Type

Framework competitive

Form of Contract

NEC 3 Short Contract

Apprentices

Project Summary

Brand new 450 place primary school and associated nursery on a sloping site, within a new housing development on the outskirts of Devon. Construction generally comprised of load-bearing insulation panels for walls, with steelwork bracing to form a two-storey classroom block with ancillary accommodation and double-storey height hall. External works involved hard and soft play areas, MUGA pitch, sports field with two football pitches, landscaping, drainage works and road access.

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Key Challenges

Deliveries during adverse weather conditions

Updated the strategy of coordinating deliveries upon arrival to eliminate any difficulties.

School vacation of temporary classrooms no later than 1/4/2018

Robust programming and logistics ensured the school was available for students to start at the agreed date after Easter.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

Constant communication with the client and sub-contractors with updates on project activities, proactively controlled delays and cost differences.
Continuous communications with key stakeholders including the client, whole project team, end-user, diocese of Exeter and Devon County Council formed excellent working relationships with the whole team providing a smooth project process.

KPI’s & Statistics

Contract	Gateway 2 Planning	Gateway 3 Contract Agreement	Variation
Cost	£4,354,992	£4,375,899	0.5%
Time	34.1 weeks	34.0 weeks	-0.4%

Bristol Operations Centre

June 19, 2020/in Civic and Community Council/by Gabby Stevens

SCF Framework Manager

Kingsley Clarke

Email: kingsley.clarke@devon.gov.uk

Phone: 07805 760622

Contractor Framework Manager

Alan Smedley

Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com

Phone: 07967 686066

Tufnell Park Primary School

June 19, 2020/in Education: Primary Roads, School/by Gabby Stevens

Tufnell Park Primary School

Islington, London

Project Details

Client

London Borough of Islington

Project Manager

Baily Garner

Architect

Haverstock

Contractor

Morgan Sindall

Value

£14.2 million

Contract Period

81 weeks

Procurement Type

Design & Build

Form of Contract

JCT 2011 D&B

Size

3,252 sqm

Project Summary

A new 3FE modular primary school and associated landscaping with new MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) to replace an existing 1.5FE school. The pupils from the existing school were housed in temporary classrooms while the old school was demolished to make way for the new school. Demolition took place in two phases with one building remaining operational throughout the build and was demolished once the school had decanted into the new building.

The new school is a modular construction by Eco Modular.

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“Our project team is extremely experienced and adept at delivering high-quality education projects, often working in logistically challenging urban environments across London, and on live sites. We will bring this knowledge to bear on this development, doing our utmost to minimise disruption, engage both school users and the local community and manage the project to a high standard to ensure the journey to completion is a positive one for all stakeholders.”

Richard DobsonArea Director at Morgan Sindall’s London office

Key Challenges

Four metre difference in site levels from pavement level to where the school building is located

A substantial cut and fill was carried out on the site to level it out and a retaining wall was constructed on three sides.

Challenging access and limited space

The site was landlocked by neighbouring properties on three sides and the site was very tight, making access to it very challenging. In the planning stages, permission for the retaining wall of a listed building was sought, but it wasn’t communicated properly how much working space was needed, which resulted in very limited space on each side of the building.

The modular build was proposed by Morgan Sindall as a solution to the tight site and limited access. Eco modular, who provided the building, also carried out the fit-out meaning there was only one contractor to manage for the whole of the building.

There was very little storage on the tight site, so “just in time” deliveries were scheduled to avoid having to store materials on site. All materials had to be craned in or hand-balled over a bridge and entered the building on the first floor.

Live School environment

Working in a live school environment with school children in very close proximity to the site and having to maintain services to the remaining school building.

A road closure was put in place for five weeks whilst the modular building was being delivered and craned into place. During this time, access still needed to be maintained for a special needs school opposite the site, so the road was only closed between the entrance and exit to the school.

The site team worked with the school to get the site set up initially. A good relationship with the school and local community was maintained throughout the course of the project, with regular site visits by the school’s headteacher and office manager as well as letter drops to neighbours.

Site of Interest for Nature Conservation with a number of Tree Preservation Orders

Royal Veterinary College: Hobday Building

June 19, 2020/in Education: Further / Higher Refurbishment, Remodel, University/by Gabby Stevens

Royal Veterinary College – Hobday Building

Camden, London

Project Details

Client:

Royal Veterinary College

Project Manager:

Royal Veterinary College

Architect:

Rivington Street Studios

Contractor:

Morgan Sindall

Value:

£7.5 million

Contract Period:

49 weeks

Procurement Type:

Design & Build

Form of Contract:

JCT 2016

Project Brief

The extensive internal and external remodelling and refurbishment of the Hobday Building at the Royal Veterinary College campus in Camden, London. This major refurbishment upgraded and modernised the college’s teaching and communal facilities, which dated back to the 1930’s, to meet current and future demand for student places and to provide a modern state-of-the-art facility to rival international colleges.

Working in a fully functioning college, the remodelling works included a new dining hall, student break out spaces, new laboratories, staff rooms and offices, new WC’s, the entire replacement of an old goods lift and the installation of a new disabled access lift.

Key Challenges

Working on a tight, occupied site

The major challenge of the project was carrying out significant demolition works, strip out of existing facilities, adding new structures and making structural alterations to the existing building with no reduction in occupancy.

We would usually expect this level of works to take place in a vacated building which we had full possession of, with all utilities switched off and temporary services in place, and no concerns about deliveries or movement of people. Carrying out these works in a fully functioning live college of 600 students and 75 staff required meticulous planning, collaboration and communication from both client and site teams.

The programme was developed in phases to allow the college to remain fully operational throughout, including a fully functioning summer school.

Working with animals and accommodating the client

Demolition and major structural alterations were carried out in a fully operational college which, in addition to the staff and students, housed several animals on site including two horses and two cows!

The only outside space was a thoroughfare used for all construction traffic and footfall, access to the site office and the college itself. An agreed process was in place – overseen by our logistics manager – to ensure all animals were safe and not stressed by the works, and that the site staff were safe, when the animals were moved.

From 08:00 to 08:30 and from 16:30 to 17:00 every day, they site team stood down works, cleared and cleaned the area so the animals could pass through safely with no hoist in use, no deliveries planned, no forklifts and no noisy works.

Managing logistics in a very constrained, live site

External space was extremely restricted with only one entrance shared with the college. Just-in-time deliveries were scheduled by our logistics manager, for both the construction site and the college – and across a busy cycle lane – and were all managed by our permanent gateman. Once inside the site, our telehandler unloaded materials which would either be transported by hand to the workforce or enter the building via the hoist at the back of the building.

All materials in and waste out had to pass through a space no larger than a double door. This included plasterboard, steel, timber and bricks.

Keeping to programme while managing asbestos removal

The RVC’s asbestos register didn’t accurately represent the extent of the asbestos throughout the building and a demolition survey was carried out that identified a significant amount more.

The site team managed £300,000 worth of asbestos removal, which was not in the original package of works, without impacting on the programme. This was achieved through communication and collaboration with the client to compile a programme that allowed access to remove asbestos and seal off areas in phases, whilst maintaining access, escape routes and safe working environments for all students and staff.

This was achieved in nine phases, working at night to remove the asbestos, moving it out of the building first thing in the morning and sealing the area during the day before releasing it back to the college once it had been given the all-clear.

Where work had to be carried out on classrooms, disruption was minimised by shutting down the area on a Thursday night and carrying out the equivalent of seven shifts across the weekend so the classroom could be opened up again on Monday morning.

Refurbishment of specialist laboratories

The college’s laboratories were stripped out and refurbished using specialist contractors to design, fabricate and install the laboratory furniture, install reverse osmosis key and medical gas services.

We created new and refurbished fume cupboards and worked with the design team on a brief from users on where to install power, using antibacterial wall trunking.

Specific antibacterial floor and ceiling finishes were sourced to maintain cleanliness and antistatic. The programme was built with specialists and subcontractors to lay flooring after all other works have been carried out to ensure they were 100% sealed and the finish protected.

Contact: Ray Mcauley
Email: ray.mcauley@morgansindall.com

City College, STEM Building

June 17, 2020/in Education: Further / Higher College, Remodel, Steel/by Gabby Stevens

City College, STEM Building

Plymouth, Devon

Project Details

Client

City College

Architect

ADG

Structural/ Civil Engineer

WSP

M&E Engineer:

Hydrock

Contractor

Kier Construction

Value

£9m

Contract Period

March 2016 – July 2017

Form of Contract

JCT 2001 Design & Build

Apprentices

3 Apprentices

Placements

9 weeks work placements

Project Summary

The design and construction of a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) building, along with remodelling and refurbishment of the existing adjacent hall to create a performing arts faculty with associated external works. The project consisted of a 5 storey concrete frame new build with steel frame and atrium.

Specialist design requirements included acoustic work on the ground floor for the music rooms and recording studios.

The design changed to incorporate £1m of value engineering. In the basement the performing arts changing was withdrawn, a handrail around the building for ease of maintenance and the column at the front was changed from square to a v.

Difficulties overcome included the lead designers relying heavily on our design managers and was a big project for the lead architect who struggled to keep up with the pace of the programme

The client was very happy with the result of the design, in particular the cladding and overhang. The result was lots of space for the budget and the internal spaces were well received.

Kier took a lead role in the design management of the project in order to keep to the programme.

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“Worked well on occupied site and understood the importance of safe operation. Regular project meetings and documented updates worked well. Very impressed with the approach to H&S on-site and off-site – well managed.”

Gilbert SnookCity College, Plymouth

“We’re delighted with it. It’s mind-blowing.”

Phil DaviesCity College Principal and Chief Executive

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Community Engagement

Career Development

During the project there were 3 management apprentices in Structural engineering from Plymouth University. The project supported the Step In and Step Up programme to encourage career changes into construction and also facilitated a 2 week placement in site management for a former Royal Marine.

Key Challenges

Live Campus

Live campus environment required weekly co-ordination meetings with the Clients estates team to ensure deliveries were kept a a minimum during peak campus activity.

Demolition

Demolition of existing building on a live campus. To minimise risk, demolition of the existing building was carried out during school holidays. A robust risk method statement was developed which included dampening dust and protective screens over large glazing.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

Value management was carried out on the existing building roof through overlaying a roofing system rather than replacing the entire roof. It was identified that there was no requirement for new plant, resulting in a quick solution and avoided lost time.
Examples of value engineering on the project included reducing the depths of overhangs on the eaves. This created a more definite frame, reducing construction of the floor overhang to be supported from the ground. The style of the balustrades was also changed and the atrium changed from glass roof to 3 large roof lights.
Best practice of innovation is demonstrated in the curved handrails on the roof; they have been designed so that they are not visible from the ground but still ensure safety when carrying out maintenance on the roof.
Innovation was demonstrated through the concrete wash out used.

Our Learnings

To ensure the safety and security of the site, there was a full hoarding around the perimeter which was inspected daily, skips were covered and delivery restrictions at peak times.
Off-site storage was established so that materials only arrived on site when required.

Value Added

The key cost drivers were the financial targets and due to a client funding agreement there was a turnover date that had to be met.
The programme was driven by the College who needed the building to be in use for September 2017.

UWE Glenside Laundry Building Conversion

June 17, 2020/in Education: Further / Higher Refurbishment, Remodel, University/by Gabby Stevens

UWE Glenside Laundry Building Conversion

University West of England, Bristol

Project Details

Client

University West of England

Contractor

Kier Construction

Value

£3m

Contract Period

41 weeks

Form of Contract

JCT Building Contracts with CDPs 2016

Project Summary

The conversion of a former Laundry Building in to a new Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre for the University of the West of England, Bristol.

The completed facility will provide the University with Optometry, Rehabilitation, Practical Skills Teaching Paramedics, changing and shower facilities and CPD Spaces with storage and plant rooms within a Basement that has ground floor level access.

Located on the University’s Glenside Campus, in Bristol, the building works were carried out within the live education and residential environment.

“Following Optometry’s occupation of the Glenside Laundry on Monday, I wanted to send you this congratulatory note. The mammoth operation which you have successfully lead so that PC was achieved on the entire development, has been so welcomed by my colleagues across the University, many of whom are eager to spread the word, what a great learning environment we now have.”

“The feedback I have received on your Project Management abilities from across the project team, has been consistently strong. I can recall many conversations with members of the UWE team, where they have expressed an appetite to build upon the relationships established on this project; in my view, a great indicator of success.”

Robin Holloway MRICSAssistant Director of Estates

Key Challenges

Asbestos Removal

During the project there were a number of challenges which were highlighted and overcome through good communication and desire to provide a high-quality building.

The asbestos removal was a challenge as the scope continually expanded due to unforeseen areas not located in the original asbestos survey.

The site team communicated with the client at an early stage to allow the client to fully understand what additional work was required. This allowed a good working relationship to continue between both parties.

Location

The location of the project created a number of logistical constraints due to the limited space surrounding the project and the busy nature of the University campus.

Client Approval

During the early stages of the project, a traffic management plan was developed and issued to the client for approval. The plan allowed the client to fully understand the construction logistic requirements and highlight any potential disruptions.

Disruptions

Throughout the project, the Kier site team regularly communicated with the University about any disruptions such as crane lifts and concrete pumps. During these activities, Kier gave adequate notice to the client regarding the disruptions and went onto position signage and barriers to communicate the temporary disruption to the University users.

Limited Storage Facilities

The site was also challenged with limited material storage facilities which were managed through material procurement; only requesting the materials which were required, not bulk procurement. This allowed the storage facilities to be managed while providing a well-managed and maintained site.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

The key project drivers were to develop a design solution which met the Client’s afforded budget and deliver the completed building for the start of the September academic term.
The project commenced with removal of asbestos in various locations and lead paint from existing walls to display the glazed brickwork behind.
Design coordination was done utilising the BIM model to ensure we de-risked design through clash detection, ensuring the new and existing structure didn’t clash with newly installed services.

Our Learnings

Various demolitions to the existing structure were undertaken to allow the Client to obtain the required space and access routes from the existing University facilities.
Included in the demolitions was the removal of the existing window lanterns which were replaced with new lanterns to allow the building to have an enhanced thermal performance.
The pre-construction and operational team were central to supporting the University in developing a project-specific BIM Execution Plan and Employer’s Information Requirements (EIRs) which aligned to the traditional nature of the contract. Within the EIRs it became apparent that affixing identification tags or labels, to assets, was key to delivering continuity across their estate. These were installed to both fixed and movable assets to provide a way to identify individual assets throughout their useful life.

Value Added

The project was fully fitted out to a clinical standard including replacement of all M&E systems and new optometry training booths to the Client’s requirements.
This new space adds an extra 1,400 square metres of flexible teaching, learning and assessment space for a range of programmes, including a new Advanced Practice Apprenticeship award, which the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences have been successfully awarded by Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Sustainability and Transformation Partnership.
The refurbishment of the former Laundry has been awarded a SKA Silver rating from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for its considerate environmental design and use of materials in the project.

Advanced Engineering Centre, Bridgwater College

June 17, 2020/in Education: Further / Higher College, Steel/by Gabby Stevens

Advanced Engineering Centre, Bridgwater College

Project Details

Client:

Bridgwater College

Contractor:

KIER

Value

£7.0m

Project Summary

The architectural ideology behind the design was to capture the purpose of the building in its appearance, and produce an ‘engineered’ form. A rigorous control over the alignment of external elements drove this concept, creating continuous lines around the facades, that blend seamlessly between the curtain wall mullions through to the cladding panel joints.

Control over the internal spaces went hand in hand with this, to create an order to the primary facade’s glazing, and draw attention to the spaces within.

The internal spaces are positioned so the classroom spaces receive generous amounts daylight from the large, sloped glazing facade, whilst the workshops, with controlled lighting levels, are placed to the rear of the building.

“Good collaborative approach and great outcome.”

David HarperEstates Manager, Bridgwater College

Key Challenges

The site was within Bridgwater & Taunton College campus with upwards of 14,000 students attending daily.

Logistic plans had to be updated regularly and agreed with the College as the only site access was through the heart of the campus and routes to the main car park.

The site was positioned adjacent to a main rail track.

Very close monitoring and controls had to be introduced during piling and lifting operations.

Project Takeaways

Our Success

A key success for the project was to achieve completion for the new academic year despite a delayed start and without compromising the quality of the build.
The Advanced Engineering Centre was based on 320 driven piles to a depth of 20 metres with a suspended precast floor utilised on levels. The main structure was steel with composite cladding to roof and walling which frames the feature curtain walling to the front elevation.
A 1200cm attenuation system was installed under the car park as well as relocation of a grey water tank from an adjacent building

KPI’s & Statistics

Contractor team performance: 9/10
Health & Safety: 9/10
Quality Workmanship: 9/10
Progress in making good defects: 8/10
Collaborative approach: 9/10
Overall contractor approach: 9/10

East Anton Primary School

June 12, 2020/in Education: Primary Council, School/by Andrew Real

Archives

Engineering & Digital Technology Park, University of Chichester

Bognor Regis

Project Details

Project Summary

“The university’s engineering and digital technology park will produce the engineering and scientific skills that the UK economy needs, particularly at a time when Brexit gives an even greater emphasis on the need for our economy to be internationally and industrially competitive.”

Project Takeaways

KPI’s & Statistics

Marland School

Torrington, Devon

Project Details

Project Summary

Key Challenges

Project Takeaways

KPI’s & Statistics

Okehampton Primary School

Okehampton, Devon

Project Details

Project Summary

Key Challenges

Project Takeaways

KPI’s & Statistics

Bristol Operations Centre

Bristol City Council

£7.28

October 2017

The Challenge

The Solution

The Results

Apprentices

SME Spend

Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

It’s the way you set up your sites, down to bags and PPE. It’s really impressive. People always talk about it. You stand out because of your site set up.

Contractor Performance | Commitments

Fair

Sustainability

Safe

Legacy

Aftercare

Kingsley Clarke

Alan Smedley

Tufnell Park Primary School

Islington, London

Project Details

Project Summary

Key Challenges

Royal Veterinary College – Hobday Building

Camden, London

Project Details

Project Brief

Key Challenges

City College, STEM Building

Plymouth, Devon

Project Details

Project Summary

“Worked well on occupied site and understood the importance of safe operation. Regular project meetings and documented updates worked well. Very impressed with the approach to H&S on-site and off-site – well managed.”

“We’re delighted with it. It’s mind-blowing.”

Community Engagement

Key Challenges

Project Takeaways

UWE Glenside Laundry Building Conversion

University West of England, Bristol

Project Details

Project Summary

Key Challenges

Project Takeaways

Advanced Engineering Centre, Bridgwater College

Project Details

Project Summary

“Good collaborative approach and great outcome.”

Key Challenges

Project Takeaways

KPI’s & Statistics

East Anton Primary School

Hampshire County Council

£13m

October 2018

The Challenge

The Solution