Whitmore Primary School – Emergency Boiler Replacement

On 6th June 2019   /   Case Studies  
Whitmore Primary School – Emergency Boiler Replacement

Whitmore Primary School – Emergency Boiler Replacement

Key Facts:

Client Name: Whitmore Primary School
Location: Basildon, Essex
Type of client: Primary Academy
Services provided by M+C: Bid Management | Planning Services | Procurement | Project Management
Value: £100,085
Contractor: SES Mechanical Services

Background and issues

Whitmore primary school is a large school based in Basildon, Essex. They currently have 604 students on roll. There are three classes per year group and an additional nursery provision of 52 places. The school dates back to 1954, and some of the buildings, fixtures and fittings are showing signs of degradation.

The school approached M+C to assist them with their application for CIF funding to replace their aged and failing boiler. M+C firstly completed a condition survey, highlighting the problems with the current system. This survey found that not only was the 30 year old installation suffering regular breakdowns, but was also becoming difficult to repair, as the parts to do so were obsolete.

Additionally, the controls were out of date and would allow the boilers to be turned only on or off. There was no temperature adjustment which was  incredibly inefficient. Furthermore, some of the pipework and radiators were leaking, causing damage to the school fixtures and fittings. Lastly, the heating boilers also supplied the domestic hot water storage tank. This meant that not only did the heating have to be on in order to produce hot water, but also that a boiler failure meant loss of all services. No hot water, meant the closure of the kitchen and, ultimately, the school.

Solution

Whilst the school was busy preparing their CIF funding application, the boilers suffered a complete failure. Although this happened at the very end of the school year and no students were on site, the school were in desperate need of the proposed works being completed to be able to open in September. M+C advised the school that the best course of action available to them was to pursue emergency funding from the ESFA to provide emergency boiler replacement.

The initial CIF bid planned to address all issues with the heating and hot water installation. However, the school acknowledged the need to pare this down to the bare minimum required to be able to open to students for the new school year. The new specification replaced the central heating boiler and controls. In addition, an independent gas fire calorifier would take care of domestic hot water needs independently of the heating boilers; thus achieving a higher level of resilience. In order to be able to demonstrate cost certainty, a full tender exercise was carried out. SES Mechanical Services returned the best price and were therefore provisionally appointed to complete the works.

Project Delivery

Once the necessary funds had been approved, work commenced on site. Timescales were incredibly tight to have the building functional by return to school in September. M+C managed the project in its entirety. It was decided to prioritise the domestic hot water aspect of the job for the summer break. Not only was it unlikely that central heating be necessary at that time of year, but also the heating plant was located in a stand alone boiler house. Therefore term time working was a feasible option without disturbing learning.

SES delivered the project as planned and both staff and students are now enjoying a warm school building with a reliable hot water source.

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Ryedene Primary School – Electrical Upgrade

On 6th June 2019   /   Case Studies  
Ryedene Primary School – Electrical Upgrade

Ryedene Primary School – Electrical Upgrade

Key Facts:

Client Name: Ryedene Primary School and Nursery
Location: Basildon, Essex
Type of client: Primary Academy
Services provided by M+C: Building Surveying | Planning Services | Procurement | Project Management | Funding
Value: £356,773
Contractor: Mega 2 Electrical
M+C Lead: Phil Ruffle

Background and Issues

Ryedene Primary School and Nursery is a popular school located near Basildon, Essex. The buildings are typical of 1960’s construction, and are therefore beginning to show signs of aging and disrepair.

In particular, the electrical installations were largely original to the building. Despite having been subject to extensions and repairs on an ad-hoc basis over the years, the system was deficient and potentially dangerous to the building users. The main points needing urgent attention were as follows:

  • The installation as a whole contravened current safety standards.
  • Exposed live wiring in some areas of the school posed a high health and safety risk.
  • Emergency lighting was largely non-compliant, and in some areas not present at all.
  • General use lighting contravened regulatory standards in terms of Lux levels.
  • The school’s insurance could be void due to the high risk of fire or injury.
  • The electrical distribution boards contained ACMs.

Solution

The school determined that the most effective way to address these problems was to carry out a full rewire of the school buildings, with the exception of a small area which had already enjoyed an upgrade. Not only would this solution mitigate the current health and safety concerns, but would also ensure regulatory compliance throughout the school. The school approached M+C for support with making a CIF funding application to finance the works. Furthermore, M+C were to provide full project management services, assuming funding could be secured.

M+C lead consultant, Phil Ruffle, worked with electrical engineers to complete an electrical condition survey. He then completed a full tender process in order to demonstrate full cost certainty within the funding application. In addition to this, they carried out a full options appraisal to justify the school’s chosen course of action. Not only did this compare the monetary costs associated with various schemes, it also highlighted the potentially catastrophic cost of no action.

Project

With the required funds secured, the school instructed Mega 2 Electrical, who returned the most competitive tender, to commence work. The demands of the working school day and the intrusive nature of this project, made it impossible to work during term time. With this in mind, the bulk of the works took place over the summer break. This was a tight time frame for such a complex project, meaning that effective scheduling and time management was critical. Phil Ruffle from M+C managed the project from start to finish. He handed over a safe, compliant and altogether more comfortable building to the great satisfaction of all parties.

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Ryedene School Demountable Replacement

On 6th June 2019   /   Case Studies  
Ryedene School Demountable Replacement

Ryedene School Demountable Replacement

Key Facts:

Client Name: Ryedene Primary School and Nursery
Location: Basildon, Essex
Type of client: Primary Academy
Services provided by M+C: Building Surveying | Architectural Design | Planning Services | Procurement | Project Management
Value: £247,000
Contractor: KGB Managed Services Ltd
M+C Lead: Phil Ruffle

Background and Issues

Ryedene Primary School and Nursery is a popular school located near Basildon, Essex. The buildings are typical of 1960’s construction, and are therefore beginning to show signs of aging and disrepair.

In order to house an increasing school population, a temporary stand-alone demountable building provided facilities for the year 6 cohort. However, over the years the building had aged significantly. As well as poor thermal performance, the building no longer met current standards in terms of classroom size and available facilities. In addition, the fabric of the demountable itself required significant maintenance investment to keep it in a usable condition. Lastly, the planning agreement allowing the erection of the demountable was due to expire, which would require it’s demolition in any case.

Solution

The school determined that demolition of the temporary building, and creation of a new permanent classbase would eradicate these problems. They approached Munday + Cramer to produce a design which met the school’s needs. Additionally, and perhaps most critically, the school requested M+C’s support with their CIF funding application and to provide project management services.

Lead architect, Phil Ruffle designed a scheme to meet the school’s requirements. The proposed new building offered the following improvements:

  • Significant thermal efficiency increase; thus reducing ongoing energy costs.
  • Mitigation of Health and Safety risks to students and staff.
  • Removal of ongoing annual maintenance costs.
  • Improvements in the teaching and learning environment, in line with DFE BB103 and the building regulations current standards.
  • Increase in building life expectancy; from the demountable which was already failing, to a building expected to function for 100+ years

M+C completed condition surveys and helped to collate evidence to justify the proposed solution. As well as preparing a full options appraisal, lead consultant Phil Ruffle completed a full tender exercise to support the application. This enabled the school to demonstrate cost certainty within their proposal.

Delivery

With the required funds secured, the school instructed KGB Managed Services Ltd, who returned the most competitive tender, to commence work. Due to the constraints imposed by the working school day, the bulk of the works took place over the summer break. M+C managed the project from start to finish, and handed over the completed building just in time for the start of the new school year.

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Alton Park – Roofing and concrete repairs

On 6th June 2019   /   Case Studies  
Alton Park – Roofing and concrete repairs

Alton Park – Roofing and concrete repairs

Key Facts:

Client Name: Alton Park Junior School (Premier Learning Trust MAT)
Location: Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
Type of client: Primary Academy
Services provided by M+C: Building Surveying | Planning Services | Procurement | Funding |Project Management
Value: £669,769
Contractor: Acclaim Contracts Ltd

School Context

Alton Park Junior School is a large four form entry Junior School based in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. The school buildings date from the 1960’s and are now showing signs of wear and degradation. They are looking to address this through a program of works to bring the buildings up to modern standards.

The scheme was supported by Sport England, whereby funding for the scheme was successfully gained.

Background and issues

The school contacted M+C to carry out a condition survey on their flat roofs. This inspection brought a number of concerns to light.

Firstly, the roof coverings were long past their intended life cycle. Because of this, the roof surface suffered from delamination, blistering and cracking; thus allowing water ingress into the building. Faulty flashing upstands and broken plastic roof lights further compounded this problem.

Secondly, and more alarmingly, the structural concrete roof deck was failing. The risk of a roof failure was significant, risking the health and safety of building inhabitants. Furthermore, the soffits and fascias were, in places, cracking, with chunks of concrete dropping to the ground below. The failing roof deck was increasing the structural load on the uppermost windows of the building. Not only were these Crittall windows at risk of breakage, they were also generally in poor condition therefore requiring immediate replacement.

Solution

M+C proposed a program of works to address these issues. The recommendation was to repair or replace the concrete roof deck, soffits and fascias, and then to fit a new felt roof covering with associated replacement roof lights, insulation and trim. Finally, it was recommended to undertake the replacement of the uppermost windows. The structural integrity of these windows was poor, having been under an increased load due to the failing roof deck above. Not only that, but it would be difficult to carry out the works to the roof without breaking them.

Like many schools, Alton Park have been suffering from budget cuts in recent times. They therefore found that they were unable to meet the cost of the works so desperately needed from school reserves. They took the decision to apply for CIF funding and requested that M+C support them through the application process. As well as the condition survey already completed, M+C helped the school to gather other evidence they needed to justify the proposed works. Furthermore, he completed a full tender process in order to demonstrate cost certainty as part of the bid process. Acclaim Contracts Ltd submitted the most competitive price, and the school provisionally selected them to carry out the works, pending a successful funding application.

Delivery

With the required funds secured, the school instructed Acclaim Contracts Ltd to start work. Due to the restrictions imposed by the working school day and the intrusive nature of the job, it was necessary to complete as much as possible over the summer break. Because of this relatively tight time frame, a roof covering was specified which was not weather dependent to install. M+C managed the works from start to finish, working closely with Acclaim to deliver a problem free project. As a result, the school’s students and staff commenced the school year under a water tight and safe roof structure.

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Sutton-at-Hone CoE Primary School – Swimming Pool Reconstruction

On 18th April 2019   /   Case Studies  
Sutton-at-Hone CoE Primary School – Swimming Pool Reconstruction

Sutton-at-Hone CoE Primary School – Swimming Pool Reconstruction

Client Name: Sutton-at-Hone Church of England Primary School
Location: Dartford, Kent
Type of client: Faith-led Primary School
Services provided by M+C: Architectural Design | Planning Services | Building Regulations | Funding Application | M&E Design | Procurement | Project Management
Value: £122,500
Contractor: Swimex Enclosures

Sutton-at-Hone CoE Primary School is a successful mid-sized primary school located just outside of Dartford, Kent. The school is fortunate to maintain its own swimming pool; providing year-round lessons for pupils, as well as providing valuable revenue through lettings.

Following many years of use, the swimming pool and enclosure required renewal to allow continued use. Various options were considered to enhance the facility, and ultimately a complete rebuild of the pool and enclosure was selected. The initial planning permission for replacement was amended during the design phase to allow for an extension to the size of the enclosure to better accommodate the changing facilities.

The scheme was supported by Sport England, whereby funding for the scheme was successfully gained.

A Swimex enclosure was specified, removing all health and safety risks, improving thermal performance and reducing running/maintenance costs. Improved teaching conditions also mean that the facility could continue to be used and let year-round. The original pool was demolished, with the replacement constructed with partial sinking in to the ground to enable easier teaching and access. The existing pool plant was re-housed within a new brick-built plant room, along with the addition of new 115KW Weishaupt space heaters to maintain air temperatures for year-round use. New drainage along with non-slip flooring was installed. New sectional changing rooms and a WC were also installed

The scheme was completed during the summer break and early September allowing for use over the winter period to the delight of the school.

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St. Vincent’s RC Primary School – Classroom Extension

On 17th April 2019   /   Case Studies  
St. Vincent’s RC Primary School – Classroom Extension

St. Vincent’s RC Primary School – Classroom Extensions

Client Name: St. Vincent’s RC Primary School
Location: Dagenham, Essex
Type of client: Faith-led Primary School
Services provided by M+C: Asset Management | Funding Application | Architectural | M&E Design | Quantity Surveying | Project Supervision
Value: £390,000
Contractor: Amwell Construction – Phases 1 + 2, MT Build – Phase 3

As part of M+C’s asset management service, five year property management plans look at the future property requirements of a client’s property portfolio. In 2009 it was recognised that the existing classroom accommodation of St Vincent’s Roman Catholic Primary School would not meet future needs, prompting future space planning.

As a result of this activity, a strategic plan was instigated to secure EFA-funding for the provision of class-base extensions to all of the existing accommodation over the ensuing three years. To minimise the impact of the required work, the overall scheme of works was divided in to three phases to be delivered over three years, ensuring that the day-to-day activities of the school were hindered as little as possible.

Overall, bid applications were successful in achieving funding for around 80% of the total scheme value via the Educational Funding Agency.

The construction work allowed overall increases in the size of the classrooms, library and IT office by 20%, and included a total refurbishment of the existing space.

In keeping with the traditional nature of the school buildings, the new extensions featured an extension of the existing slate roof, with Hardie plank exterior cladding. Internally, the works consisted of a full refurbishment, as well as modifications and extension of the heating system and installation of additional lighting.

To minimise the impact on the pupils, works were initiated so as to complete the major construction works during summer holidays, with internal refurbishment/finishing completed whilst the decamped students were accommodated within the school hall for a minimal period.


Munday + Cramer not only foresaw out future needs but were able to develop a cost-effective solution for the long-term that will really help all of our pupils


Rachel Mahon, Former Head Teacher
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Meadgate Primary School – Electrical Upgrade

On 11th March 2019   /   Case Studies  
Meadgate Primary School – Electrical Upgrade

Meadgate Primary School – Electrical Upgrade

Client Name: Meadgate Primary School (Part of the Eveleigh Link Academy Trust)
Location: Great Baddow, Essex
Type of client: Primary Academy
Services provided by M+C: Building Surveying | Planning Services | Procurement | Project Management | Funding Application
Value: £594,000
Contractor: SW Bruce

Meadgate Primary School is an oversubscribed and popular primary school, just outside of the County town of Chelmsford, Essex. There are approximately 270 students on roll at present. Built in the 1960s, some of the school’s services are now suffering from degradation. In particular, the electrical system was original to the building, and had reached the end of it’s useful life. Because the school was unable to fund the required improvements from their annual budget, they took the decision to apply for a CIF grant. M+C have a great deal of experience supporting schools in Essex prepare their funding bids. Meadgate approached the practice for help, as they felt that they needed some guidance through the process, which they had never been through before.

Electrical Installation Issues

Lewis Barr took the role of lead consultant for M+C. His first action was to have an electrical survey completed to determine the failings in the existing system. The main points raised within that survey were as follows:

  • The original Dorman Smith electrical switch gear and distribution network was at the end of it’s life cycle
  • Furthermore, some of the parts are no longer available, putting the system at risk of complete failure
  • A fixed wiring test took place in 2012, and found open and exposed live circuits
  • RCD protection was insufficient, and posed a risk of electrocution
  • The emergency lighting and fire alarm system were not up to standard
  • General lighting within the school was insufficient and in poor condition
  • The original switch gear contained asbestos and posed a real risk to health
  • Maintenance teams were unable to service the installation within ground floor ceiling voids, due to the presence of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs)
  • The PVC trunking was ceiling mounted using double-sided tape, and posed a real risk of entrapment in the event of a fire
  • Ineffective earthing of the lightning conductor left the building vulnerable during storms
  • The school’s buildings insurance cover was at risk of becoming void due to the problems detailed above

The Solution

Lewis and the M+C team then put together a proposal to address these problems. They completed an options appraisal, which soon made it clear that the only viable option was to carry out a full rewire of the building. In addition to this, the project would include specialist removal of all ACMs and replacement switching equipment and lighting. An electrical engineer designed the new system, and Lewis wrote the specification and started the tender process. The scope of works included:

  • A full electrical rewire of the school buildings
  • Replacement of all outlets and installation of additional sockets where required
  • Supply and installation of new general and emergency lighting throughout the school
  • Installation of new containment system
  • Upgrade of the mains distribution
  • Supply and install replacement false ceilings where required, using 24mm Armstrong grid system with Dune Tegular tiles
  • Specialist removal and disposal of ACMs
  • All associated building work and making good

Funding

The most cost effective tender return was from SW Bruce. He then helped the school to put together their funding bid, advising on the details that they should include in their supporting information. Although the school had limited capital available, they were able to make a small contribution towards the works. Together with the cost certainty provided by the tender process, this added strength to the school’s application. In addition, photos of the areas of concern and copies of the surveys taken, enabled the school to firmly demonstrate the need for the proposed works to take place. Unsurprisingly, the ESFA approved the grant, and work commenced on site soon after.

Delivery

SW Bruce carried out the works under a JCT Minor Works Building Contract under the guidance of M+C’s project management team. Not only was this job too large to be completely solely during school holidays, but it also impacted all areas of the building. The schedule commenced at the end of May 2017, and was due for completion by the beginning of the school year in September. Therefore thorough planning was key, in order to keep disruption to a minimum. M+C worked closely with the school to plan which areas to tackle in which order. Some aspects of the works required a full shut down of services. Since this is not compatible with the daily running of the school, the team carried these out during evenings, weekends and during the holiday.

The delivery team kept the project on track and on budget and handed the job over to the school head teacher ready for the new school year. Further to his satisfaction with the standard of work completed by SW Bruce, the head praised M+C for their part in running a successful installation.

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Notley Green Primary School – New Reception Block

On 7th March 2019   /   Case Studies  
Notley Green Primary School – New Reception Block

Notley Green Primary School – New Reception Block

Client Name: Notley Green Primary School (Part of the CHANGE Partnership)
Location: Notley Green, Essex
Type of client: Primary Academy
Services provided by M+C: Architectural Design | Planning Permission & Building Regs | Building Surveying | Procurement | Project Management | Funding Application (CIF)
Value: £377,740
Contractor: Davis Construction

Notley Green Primary School is a popular, successful primary academy located in Notley Green, close to Braintree, Essex. With two forms of entry, the school is a busy site, consisting of two main, modern blocks. Reception classes were accommodated in aged temporary buildings well past their economical and practical lives. The conditions within the temporary classrooms were not conducive to learning, and certainly did not provide a great environment for the new starters to the school.

As part of a wider 5-year asset management planning exercise for the school and CHANGE School Partnership, the replacement of the reception block was identified as a high priority. Due to the condition of the existing classrooms, a CIF condition-based bid was agreed as the most suitable course of action to attract funding for a replacement block.

The extensive condition survey highlighted a range of deficiencies, all of which would strengthen the bid to the ESFA. These included:

  • Not meeting the minimum size/space requirements set out within BB103
  • Accessibility issues
  • Inadequate WC provision for pupils and staff
  • H&S risks posed by the failing conditions
  • Thermal inefficiency
  • Significant annual maintenance expenditure

Prior to the bid submission, feasibility and design studies were undertaken, along with a thorough options appraisal to identify the most suitable design option to progress through the planning stages. A traditional construction design was selected, with just a £5,000 reduction to utilise a modular building. Despite the marginally higher capital cost, the whole life cost through an extended life and lower maintenance costs made the traditional construction a more viable option. At risk, a planning application was made to Braintree District Council, again strengthening the CIF bid submission.

With an outline design completed, a tender process was undertaken to gain cost certainty for the bid, and also to reduce the turnaround for the project assuming the scheme became funded. Davis Construction were successful within the tender process, returning costs in-line with expectations. Working on the basis of being successfully funded, an outline programme was devised with works scheduled to start over the summer holiday and running until the following Christmas.

With funding granted by the ESFA, works were indeed started in the July, and ran over a 20-week programme. The reception classes were temporarily accommodated elsewhere in the school for the autumn term, and were able to start the new year in their new classrooms. The new block follows the design cues from the existing school buildings, and features two classrooms with shared WC facilities, storage and lobby. The design allows for triple aspect glazing, allowing vast amounts of natural light in to the classrooms.

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St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School – Roofing Works

On 6th March 2019   /   Case Studies  
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School – Roofing Works

St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School – Roofing Works

Client Name: St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School
Location: Tilbury, Essex
Type of client: Primary School (Voluntarily Funded)
Services provided by M+C: Building Surveying | Procurement | Project Management | Funding Application (LCVAP)
Value: £86,767
Contractor: Mitie Tilley Roofing

St Mary’s is a medium-sized Catholic primary school located in the busy port town of Tilbury, Essex. The school has a long connection with the parish church; ‘Our Lady Star of the Sea’ and also with the Sisters of Mercy; whose Convent adjoins the school. The school was built in  in 1887.

As with any building, roofing works remain a constant source of activity. With the school’s roofs nearing the end of their useful life, the time had come for their replacement. Because of the school’s age and history, elements of the roofing also featured Asbestos, therefore now requiring removal.

Since St. Mary’s is a Voluntarily Aided school, LCVAP funding provided a useful source of capital funds to undertake the roofing works. M+C were able to offer support in secure investment due to their extensive experience in the funding field. A comprehensive procurement process ensured value for money; local contractor Mitie Tilley Roofing secured the scheme.

Ordinarily, this size of the scheme would be delivered over a single phase. Because of the presence of the ACMs however, roofing works had to be completed over two phases. The initial phase was carried out during the summer break, completing the larger volume of works. The more complex phase was undertaken during the following year. ACM-removal was undertaken during half-term, minimising risks to the school. The works were finally completed with the installation of the last of the new roofs. In addition to the replacement roof coverings, new insulation was also provided, allowing the school to benefit from reduced energy costs.

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St. Mark’s West Essex Catholic School – Boiler Replacement

On 1st March 2019   /   Case Studies  
St. Mark’s West Essex Catholic School – Boiler Replacement

St. Mark’s West Essex Catholic School – Boiler Replacement

Client Name:St. Mark’s West Essex Catholic School
Location:Harlow, Essex
Type of client: Secondary Academy
Services provided by M+C: CIF Funding Application | Planning/Building Regulations | Building Services Engineering | Procurement
| Surveying | Project Management
Value: £138,821
Contractor: Essex Mechanical Services

St. Mark’s West Essex Catholic School is a successful secondary academy in the growing town of Harlow. With over 1000 pupils, the school continues to grow within its 12-acre site, having been first established in 1965.

Following a range of failures and issues with the existing mechanical plant (including the atmospheric and HWS boilers as well as the hot water calorifier), the failure of the system following the summer recess, and a range of leaks within the system, a detailed assessment of the boiler plant identified its terminal nature and an immediate need for a boiler replacement.

A detailed value assessment identified that it would be uneconomical to attempt to repair the existing system, with changes to the building regulations putting in to place more challenging requirements from such systems.

The scheme developed therefore incorporated the elements mentioned, as well as the provision of pressurisation units, feed tanks, associated pipework and pumps/valves etc., insulation and all building works including asbestos removal. The replacement would provide a solution that will serve the school for a minimum of 25 years, with a safe, environmentally sustainable system.

The scheme was further developed, including a full tender process, for submission to the ESFA as part of CIF funding. The scheme was approved, with Essex Mechanical Services appointed as the main contractor.

On-site, the works were undertaken during term-time, phased to ensure continued provision of services throughout the works, which were successfully completed in just five weeks.

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