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Exterior view of the Weston College Health and Active Living CentreMidas Group Ltd

Health and Active Living (HAL) Centre

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Health and Active Living Centre

Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset


Project Details



Client
Weston College

Project Manager
Weston College

Architect
View Architects Ltd

Contractor
Midas Construction Ltd

Value
£6.7m

Contract Period
48 weeks

Procurement Type
Competitive tender – 2 stage

Form of Contract
JCT Design & Build 2016

Size
2,841m²

Apprentices
7

Project Summary

Delivered for our valued clients Weston College, the Health and Active Living Skills (HAL) Centre is the region’s first state-of-the-art learning environment for sport, health and social care. The Centre provides modern facilities for students and the public, aiming to increase the community’s health and well-being.

Constructed at the college’s Loxton campus, to the south of Weston-super-Mare, this three-storey building houses a sports hall and associated changing facilities, classrooms and sport science labs. Outside are an all-weather 3G sports pitch and a natural football pitch.

The HAL Centre features a range of facilities to benefit the college and community. The multi-use sports hall includes provision for badminton, basketball, netball and five-a-side football, plus retractable basketball hoops; and the Centre includes community use space, a reception and public café.

The Centre provides an innovative learning environment with science labs, a health therapy suite with separate clinic and therapy room, and a six-bed simulation ward including high-tech patient mannequins.

The project received a customer satisfaction score of 92% in the survey at practical completion.



  • Exterior view of the Weston College Health and Active Living Centre

“This is an important investment in the future of healthcare in the region. We looked at a number of options when it came to building this new centre, but the one that was most viable was to build it at our Loxton Campus, which is a stone’s throw away from Weston General Hospital. The development will bring together the College’s health and social care, sports therapy and active living curricula into one bespoke facility, which will benefit our students as well as the wider community.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for partnership working between Weston College and Weston General Hospital. This demonstrates the investment we are both making to support the learning and development of students. We hope it will also help the recruitment and retention of staff as well as supporting the increased demand on healthcare locally”.

“This is an ambitious project that will deliver important investment in skills for health and social care professionals working in our region. We need to train more people for future careers in our hospitals and community services – this will improve the quality of care and improve people’s lives. With more highly qualified professionals, and with people trained in a wider range of disciplines, people will be better cared for.”

 “We are very pleased to be taking forward our excellent relationship with Weston College on this exciting project which will bring significant positive benefits to the College, its students and staff and the local community. As we have done on our previous projects with the college, most recently at the Winter Gardens, we will be working closely with local people and our local supply chain to ensure that we maximise the economic benefits of the construction project in the Weston and North Somerset areas.”

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Key Challenges

  • The client set an ambitious BREEAM requirement of Excellent. Midas successfully attained this level by commissioning significant ecological surveys at the start of the project; enhanced the local ecology through planting of native trees and shrubs; used an efficient drainage design to manage surface water, and protected local waterways from runoff or contamination; provided permanent, secure bicycle storage; and diverted 100% of waste from landfill. The ecological surveys identified the site as a bat corridor, which the team protected through retention of trees and by directing site and permanent lighting away from the route. The centre has four bat boxes, and the landscaping forms a corridor for wildlife. The building design maximises natural ventilation, including wind catchers, and features a 20.8kW SunGift Solar PV array.
  • To manage works within the live college campus, Midas used a combination of timber hoarding and Heras fencing to secure the site boundary and implemented parking restrictions on Loxton Road, with a bespoke traffic management plan and a vehicle controller to supervise deliveries and access. At the start of the project, Midas issued a letter to the local neighbours advising them of the planned works, expected duration and providing contact details for feedback. The team issued regular updates with 24-hour contact information and notice in advance of potentially disruptive works. To reduce disturbance to the college and neighbours, Midas established a dedicated and screened cutting zone, kept construction noise below background noise levels at the nearest noise sensitivities and appointed a suitably qualified acoustician to carry out a noise impact testing.
  • Midas came onto this project at RIBA Stage 1, appointing our own design team with Smith Consult Limited novated to the M&E subcontractor. The Health and Active Living Centre and the Construction Training Centre projects were initially over the client’s budget. At RIBA Stage 3, Midas completed an extensive and effective best value review with the clients, providing design and material amendments to make the projects financially viable. Midas conducted stakeholder engagement exercises, working with the college and modular manufacturers to conduct a best value review of external finishes, delivering a cost-effective solution without compromising the quality of the finish. Midas also completed a total redesign of both the Health and Active Living Centre and the Construction Training Centre to ensure the architectural plans met the site requirements. The team designed out any challenges in the planning stages, including a piled foundation solution with piles at a maximum depth of between 5m and 11m to manage the granite layer below the topsoil.

Project Takeaways

Our Successes
  • Working with the client’s design team and Sport England, Midas ensured the new centre facilitated the best possible ‘Community Use’ of its amenities – as defined by Sport England – when not in use by the college. By changing the building’s internal layout and configuration, Midas delivered the project to a Sport England Community Use Agreement and increased the extent of community use areas of the Centre. Midas designed the facility in compliance with Sport England Design, Specification and Construction Guidance.
  • The building is in proximity to an environmentally sensitive area to the north and adjacent to a high-risk watercourse area. Midas liaised with the North Somerset Levels Internal Drainage Board (NSLIDB) to manage the risk of works in proximity to rhynes (drainage ditches used as local flood management systems). The team secured a licence from the NSLIDB to work within nine metres of rhynes, ensuring they remained clear throughout the works. Midas identified drain routes and risk potential as part of site inductions, and managed surface water through an efficient drainage design. The site used silt busters to filter all water sent off site.
  • The Midas team installed an observation board at the site welfare area with a progress board highlighting defect-free areas and providing example posters confirming quality requirements and correct finishes. The client scored the project 9/10 for quality for workmanship in the satisfaction survey at practical completion, with an overall score of 92%.
  • To achieve BREEAM Excellent and provide an improved whole life value for the centre, Midas installed enhanced cladding, insulation and insulated render. The composite cladding panel insulation on the external walls has an approved environmental profile with a BRE Ecopoints score of 0.497; the acoustic stud insulation achieve summary ratings of A+; and the cavity wall insulation achieves a Green Guide Rating of A+. The completed building has an air tightness (m³/(h.m²) at 50Pa) rating of 5.00, against the maximum of 15.00, with an Air Leakage Rate less than 5m³/hr/m².
Our Learnings
  • Restrictions on the client’s funding meant the team had to complete project works and spend allocated monies by the end of their financial year (01 April 2019). Weston College could not set a contract end date beyond this point, putting pressure on the programme; however, during contract negotiations with Midas, the client agreed a three-week extension of time to allow completion of the works. Midas led collective subcontractor coordination meetings, worked to short-term programmes to hit deadlines, maintained regular communication with suppliers, subcontractors and the client, and effectively selected subcontractors to ensure a suitable team that delivered on time. Adaptations included the use of a mechanically fixed single ply membrane waterproofing system on the roof. This incorporates a PVC pad fixing system that secures the membrane and insulation with the same fixing, reducing the site installation programme and providing water tightness at an early stage in the construction programme. The team also completed works such as coating the floors with latex over weekends, to minimise disruption to other trades. This enabled Midas to finish three weeks ahead of the anticipated completion date
Added Value
  • Midas delivered £230,500 (3.4%) of added value and best practice savings at Gateway 4. Savings included: £116k of design review and rationalisation savings; using specialist contractor advice to make an acoustic design change to the hall, saving £25k; and increasing the Structural Steel Framing System (SFS), including changing the precast concrete staircase to steel, limiting the required amount of brick- and blockwork to save £55k.
  • The site employed 60% local labour; with 93.1% of total firms on site being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Midas used local resources wherever possible with 71.4% of the SMEs based within 30 miles of the site.
  • The project team collaborated with the team at the Construction Skills Centre site to deliver a combined Employment and Skills Plan. The sites supported eight work experience placements; created 13 jobs with the National Skills Academy for Construction, including six apprentices; supported 11 Construction Careers Information, Advice & Guidance events; delivered 218.9 training weeks on site; delivered four training plans for subcontractors; and supported the achievement of 85 NVQs and industry certifications. Representatives from the project attended the North Somerset Careers Convention and the Weston-super-Mare Careers Convention. The project had five site visits from students of Weston College, with almost 100 students visiting in total, plus a site visit from students with the Positive Steps project. The site directly employed a management apprentice.
  • Midas liaised with a local church, collected food on site to donate to their food bank. The team also contacted a local financial institution, who agreed to offer free financial aid to the community, with Midas welfare offices available for this use. The team donated unwanted wooden pallets to neighbours for their wood burning stoves.

KPI’s & Statistics

ContractGateway 2 Planning Gateway 3 Contract Agreement Variation
Cost£6,918,904£6,780,718-£138,186
(-2%)
Time46.4 weeks46.4 weeks0 weeks
(0%)

KPI Graphs

Apprentices 7
Average AIR 0
Average CCS score 40
Waste diverted from landfill 100%
Cost/m2 £2,352m²
Cost/m2 excl abnormals £1,799m²

Robert May’s School

  • Client

    Hampshire City Council

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £6.1m

  • Completion Date

    October 2018

Expansion of school by 1FE providing an open and welcoming entrance to give the school a presence in the local community.

The Challenge

The project involved the expansion of Robert May’s Secondary School in Odiham by 1FE, which included a two-storey new-build block and refurbishment within the existing building. External works included demolition of the caretaker’s bungalow and remodelling of the carpark; as well as works to the MUGA to the rear of the school and a grass playing field on a steeply sloped area adjacent the school. As part of these works, the team faced two key challenges;

  • The school was on a very tight site with high levels of coach drop-off demands and remodelling of the front of the school
  • The project was being delivered in a live school environment where pupil/ pedestrian safety was key, along with maintaining their safety routes during construction.

The Solution

To enable the new coach drop-off, a new carpark was built first, where the caretaker’s bungalow was located.

Pupil/ pedestrian routes were improved during construction works by directing them along hoarded/ fenced routes to and from the buses and emergency access routes to muster points. Deliveries were only allowed between drop-off and pick-up periods with the construction site gates closed outside these times. We also chaired weekly meetings with the school to discuss the forthcoming works and anticipated vehicle movements. Daily ‘Stand Up’ meetings were undertaken with all operatives on site, to make sure they were aware of what was happening on site that day.

The Results

The proactive approach and professional team meant communication between all parties, including the design team and the school was productive, with relationships maintained to the end of the project. Early liaison with the supply chain ensured professional buildability advice and working closely with the school we were able to minimise disruption. The client was also pleased with the successful delivery of the project, giving us a recommended score of 10/10.


2


Apprentices

100%


SME Spend

£514,000


Added Value

9/10


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

“The sheer professionalism and attention to detail demonstrated by the architectural and construction team was exceptional. Liaison between them and the client was thorough, consultive and led directly to those remarkably improved vistas, buildings and walkways.”

“I wanted to email you as the overriding message from the school was what a fantastic project that you have contributed to and built for them. In particular they highlighted Jim’s approach to the management of the site and his client/end user engagement as being exemplary but also the emerging site management/communication skills of Shane. This only tells part of the story and, not to in anyway diminish the praise rightly for Jim and Shane, this feedback reflects on the construction team as a whole and the approach by Morgan Sindall and I wanted to thank you.”

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Contractor Performance | Commitments


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Sustainability

100% waste diverted from landfill

100% timber responsibly sourced


Safe

Zero RIDDORs

CCS Score 39/45


Legacy

36 No of SMEs delivering 100% of project value

17 beneficiaries

8 jobs created

120 trainee weeks

Schools engagement: 1031 students

£20 donations to charity

22 volunteer hours

88% 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

SCF Framework Manager

James Wright 

Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk

Phone: 07761 330560

Contractor Framework Manager

Alan Smedley

Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com

Phone: 07967 686066

Gilbert Inglefield Academy

  • Client

    Gilbert Inglefield Academy Trust

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £6.5m

  • Completion Date

    December 2020

Two storey teaching block providing 10 classrooms and a 3-court sports hall new build, and a combination of 4 separate refurbishment areas including 2 IT labs as well as remodelling the existing school to provide improvements to the school’s catering facilities, and administration areas.  In addition, the project introduced new SEND therapy spaces and an external MUGA.

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The Challenge

  1. Initial feasibility studies completed for the project identified the requirement for multiple extensions and alterations to the existing school.
  2. Phasing of works
  3. The location for the new sports hall and teaching facility was on the existing school hard-play courts, which doubled as their fire muster point.

The Solution

  1. Through initial buildability engagement we were able to advise a review of the design to amalgamate the sports hall and teaching facility into one new standalone facility. Due to the design and build process, there was a variety of reviewable design data where approvals where required from the school. During the Client Engagement Meetings we set these as a key part of the agenda to ensure the data was reviewed with the school appropriately providing enough information to allow decisions to be made on time, such that on site activities were not impacted.
  2. Client engagement meetings (CEM) were carried out regularly with the project team during both the precon and construction phases. These meetings were especially productive for the site team to engage with the school’s headteacher, teachers and facilities manager to create a robust phasing plan due to the nature and number of small extensions and refurbishment areas located across the existing school.

3. The provision of the new multi-use games area (MUGA) court would provide the new play area and fire point, however, this commenced at the same time as the new build.

The Results

  1. Reviewing the data was especially beneficial for the refurbishment areas where the new finishes were installed early in the programme. Following further engagement, the existing kitchen and dining spaces were able to be relocated to an area of the school that had better construction access and existing services to facilitate.
  2. A detailed construction programme was produced accompanied with a master phasing plan, highlighting the programme periods in each section of work. Where possible, each section was coordinated to commence and complete in line with the school’s academic timetable. From this master phasing plan, detailed access and logistic plans were presented to the school for each work section. Through careful consideration of the school’s current operation, the phasing plans were tweaked to minimise disruption. As part of the induction process on site all operatives were briefed on the phasing plans for the project and the importance of the live school environment.

3. Through negotiation with Central Bedfordshire Council, we were able to re-surface the adjacent youth centre car-park in return for the school to use this facility as a muster point whilst the MUGA courts were being constructed.

4. Collaborative delivery of scheme within original programme parameters despite being impacted by COVID-19.

4


Apprentices

70%


SME Spend

£322,727


Added Value

9/10


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

”The relationship between the school and the project manager is key to ensure we both manage the day to day challenges of a live site. Morgan Sindall have understood and adapted to the challenges of a working school. Sharing our priorities and working together to mitigate any barriers has helped enormously and this can only happen with the project manager always on site. The project manager has been incredibly flexible and supportive in ensuring we get the best building within the budget. The school community comment regularly on the professionalism and work of Morgan Sindall. Students have enjoyed the updates and learning about the building trade.”

”It has been a really good experience working with the MS team and issues raised have always come with solutions. The team worked well together and as a result the project went well.”

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Contractor Performance | Commitments


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Sustainability

94% waste diverted from landfill

100% timber responsibly sourced


Safe

Zero RIDDORs

CCS Score 42/45


Legacy

During the first month on site the construction team delivered a safety assembly to all students and staff at the school. With the help from Ivor Goodsite (CCS Mascot) a fine balance between humour and seriousness was struck to reinforce the importance for all stakeholders to be conscious of the construction works in a live school environment.

Virtual video tour for the local technical college

99 Apprenticeship weeks, 14 No of SMEs

14 beneficiaries, 7 jobs created, 114 trainee weeks,

Schools engagement: 600 students

£50 donations to charity, 20 volunteer hours

80% 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

Any site specific process/initiatives

SCF Framework Manager

James Wright

Email: james.wright@devon.gov.uk

Phone: 07761 330560

Contractor Framework Manager

Alan Smedley

Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com

Phone: 07967 686066

Vandyke Upper School

  • Client

    Vandyke Upper School

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £10.6m

  • Completion Date

    September 2020

Three storey modular teaching block boasts new science labs and general classrooms relocating 6th form study areas, associated external works and two separate refurbishment areas offering more general teaching space and expands the school’s kitchen and dining area.

The Project Manager, James Wood, went on to win Construction Manager of the Year and showcased the project at the awards ceremony.

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The Challenge

A site-specific risk assessment should be in place prior to commencing work accounting for the local environment in which the work is undertaken.  This highlighted the area beneath the cycle shelter is heavily populated with services feeding the school including LV, HV and Gas. Upon completing several trial holes in accordance with the services plan it was discovered the services were laid shallow in the ground with some having less than 500mm cover.

The Solution

As a result of the incoming services feeding a live school, lowering the services was not a feasible option due to an extended shutdown requirement whilst the works were ongoing. Therefore, a propriety protection board was proposed as a solution to protect the services. The cable protection was specified to be 230mm wide concrete tiles with marker tape to be installed above as a standard requirement. In order to install the protection board, the services needed to be fully exposed and the safest and most efficient method of ground clearance was Vacuum Excavation.

The Results

A site-specific risk assessment was in place prior to commencing work accounting for the local environment in which the work is undertaken.

Vacuum excavation avoided using mechanical means to dig near live services as well as significantly reducing the risk of service strike.  It also meant there was no need to disrupt existing services feeding a live school thus the school was able to remain operational throughout the entire process avoiding any disruption.

Working with Eco Modular, the project team utilised off-site manufacturing to minimise disruption, create cost and time efficiencies and enhance the building’s sustainability performance.  This created a high Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) which meant the design could be strictly coordinated and managed with regular inspections, including stringent quality checks, via weekly factory visits. The project also had a high percentage of PMV MEP installation including containment, first fix, plant room design and structured cabling architecture.

The high percentage of PMV on the building produced a better-quality product with less rework and remaining onsite activities were predictable, plannable and labour loading was simpler.

When Covid struck part-way through, it seemed the project may be in trouble but it was delivered on time and to budget in time for the school’s new academic year..


4


Apprentices

60%


SME Spend

£457,373k


Added Value

9/10


Client Satisfaction

Client Testimonials

We are thrilled at what has been achieved. It will make such a difference to the experience of the students and staff. So to everybody who has worked on the project and made this possible – from me, a heart-felt thank you.  The completion of the project in just 33 weeks was a remarkable achievement and thanks go to James who worked so closely with us and to our partners at Morgan Sindall.”

”Morgan Sindall Construction is passionate about delivering outstanding education facilities for the next generation and we’re pleased to have successfully completed works to expand and remodel Vandyke Upper School – creating a contemporary, future-fit learning environment which will benefit young people living locally and bolster the region’s educational offering.”

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Contractor Performance | Commitments


Safe

Zero RIDDORs

CCS Score 44/45

Any site specific initiatives


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

Any site specific process/initiatives


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Legacy

A celebratory capsule burying ceremony marked the completion milestone for the students, teachers and project team who worked steadily throughout the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the project was safely delivered on time

18 SMEs

19 beneficiaries

4 jobs created

112 trainee weeks

Schools engagement: 350 students

£600 donations to charity

61 volunteer hours

69% social value created


Sustainability

82% of the building by volume was constructed using offsite manufacturing providing a programme saving of 16 weeks over traditional methods

Water tightness was achieved within 2 weeks of modules being delivered speeding up the construction programme

97% waste diverted from landfill

100% timber responsibly sourced

SCF Framework Manager

James Wright

Email: james.wright@hants.gov.uk

Phone: 07761 330560

Contractor Framework Manager

Alan Smedley

Email: alan.smedley@morgansindall.com

Phone: 07967 686066

Marland School

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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

3

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

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.

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

ContractGateway 2 Planning Gateway 3 Contract AgreementVariation
Cost£3,452,052£3,766,7289.1%
Time74 weeks78 weeks5.4%

Okehampton Primary School

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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

5

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.



Key Challenges

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

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

ContractGateway 2 Planning Gateway 3 Contract AgreementVariation
Cost£4,354,992£4,375,8990.5%
Time34.1 weeks34.0 weeks-0.4%

Bristol Operations Centre

  • Client

    Bristol City Council

  • Contractor

  • Value

    £7.28

  • Completion Date

    October 2017

–
Project Background

Following the successful completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 refurbishment of Bristol City Council’s headquarters at Temple Street, Bristol including the creation of a new Operations Centre on one floor which provides the central hub for all CCTV cameras in the city.  The room also acts as the control centre for major incidents and thus has a higher level of security than the rest of the building.


The Challenge

Provision of high security to one floor and fit out to the rest of the building whilst remaining a live operational building.

The Solution

Specialist and security systems included the installation of a video wall system which feature images from CCTV cameras that operators can play numerous images on enabling them to split the screen or zoom in.

The refurbishment also included CAT 6 data wiring, installation of a new generator, UPS and air conditioning.  The new switch panel was installed over 3 weekends as the building remained occupied.

Fit out to the first floor for the Department of Work and Pensions were phased to keep staff entrances live throughout with minimal disruption.  Deliveries were planned carefully.  Any drilling was not undertaken after 8.30am


The Results

Building handed over on time and within budget whilst remaining operational throughout the works.

4


Apprentices

92.3%


SME Spend

8/10


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.

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Contractor Performance | Commitments


Fair

100% payment within 30 days terms


Sustainability

100% timber responsibly sourced


Safe

Zero RIDDORs


Legacy

23 No of SMEs

22 Beneficiaries

2 Work experience placements and 16 jobs created

3 curriculum support activities


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

Tufnell Park Primary School

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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.”

Key Challenges

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

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.

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.

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.

Royal Veterinary College: Hobday Building

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.”

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

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

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.