We were requested to oversee a project for Cranleigh Church of England Primary School to demolish an existing building and provide a New Build Block (250m²). The scheme was to replace the existing Early Years Reception classroom facilities, the timber building in the school’s garden, with a new modern purpose-built double classroom block in the same location.

 

Careful consideration and care had to be taken to retain the existing environmental setting of the school grounds, particularly the mature trees. The new building was constructed using a method to avoid impacting on mature tree roots. The project is a DFE Priority Schools Building Programme 2 (PSBP2) part funded scheme.

 

 

Offsite construction methods were considered for the programme benefits; however access constraints prevented the use of modular construction. To explore alternative methods of construction a design and build procurement route was proposed with the tender focussing heavily on qualitative responses to construction / logistical methodology. A lengthy planning approval process was anticipated, therefore HBS advised the client to submit a separate application of demolishing the existing building. When the planning approval was delayed this allowed demolition to be carried out in advance of the main works which provided overall programme betterment and allowed the site to be de-risk ahead of full possession.

 

HBS maintained the delivery programme and updated as the project progressed from feasibility through to contractor appointment. There were challenging issues to overcome with the planners which delayed the programme for construction works but the project was well managed and delivered ahead of the start of the new school year. Overall project costs delivered £94,503 within the budget.

 

 

HBS engaged with Main Contractor in delivering social value targets on the scheme including a contribution to the local community. As the project was part funded by DFE, we had to meet DFE funding requirements and provide regular updates on costs and completion reports for sign off. Considerations were made for retaining and refurbishing the existing building however the age and poor condition of the building fabric made this prohibitive. Careful consideration and care to retaining the existing environmental setting of the school grounds, particularly the mature trees. The new building will be constructed using a method to avoid impacting on mature tree roots.