Conversion and refurbishment of a underutilised school to increase capacity.
During the allocation of school places for the new academic year, Liverpool City Council had identified a shortage of suitable placements for 30 Special Educational Needs (SEN) children due to existing school capacities. In response, the decision was made to upgrade a previously mothballed school to serve as a satellite SEN facility for the existing Millstead School in Everton.
Project delivery
The scope of work for this project was comprehensive, including the stripping of the existing interiors, asbestos removal, overhauling the mechanical and electrical systems to improve sistainability credentials, replacing outdated infrastructure to improve efficiency and functionality as well as roofing improvements to enhance structural integrity, and installation of a damp course to ensure any damp issues were addressed.
Given that the existing building had not been occupied for a number of years, it was felt that completing the full refurbishment by September was not feasible, so a two-phase approach was developed which would enable students to occupy the site as planned. Risks were identified, managed and owned collectively by the client and delivery team, facilitating efficient decision-making focused on project success.
The project was delivered in two main phases with intermediate stages. During the first phase, temporary modular structures were installed to accommodate students during the ongoing construction process. These were organised in sets of 6, with exterior walkways, a fully equipped catering kitchen, IT room with A/C unit as well as teaching classrooms.
This first phase was completed in time for the new school year, and 30 students were able to use the site as planned. This enabled us to begin phase two – the main building refurbishment, with protective barriers separating the construction from the operational school section.
This required careful coordination to ensure the segregation and safeguarding of the pupils, which was of particular importance due to the sensitive nature of the special needs pupils. All construction deliveries had to take place outside of these times and the site had a gateman to ensure smooth coordination.
The works to the main building included remodelling to widen doorways and other works to ensure DDA compliance, extensive M&E works, new toilet facilities, reroofing and new windows being installed prior to internal decoration and flooring.
Finally, once the works to the main building were complete, the modular units were removed and the landscape reinstated.
The project’s design was unalterable to the client’s scope document, reflecting the specific requirements of Millstead SEN School. This required meticulous planning of system configurations, plant selection, and location.
Communication
Weekly meetings were held with the Council, Clear Futures and designers to discuss the outcome of surveys, review design and challenge programme – captured in a shared action log. Site visits were useful at existing facilities and the mothballed buildings to help all parties visualise requirements and aspirations.
This integrated approach was critical in preventing any delays that could have been detrimental in achieving the provision in pupil places for September.
Weekly workshops included collaborative planning sessions with all key stakeholders and supply chain. This allowed all parties to align their understanding and goals to ensure provision of sufficient spaces for the cohort of pupils. This was essential due to the complexities and bespoke operations of each school and their pupils. Due to the phased nature
of occupation of each school we agreed a structured approach to handover and occupation, including training workshops and occupation stagey workshops.
Once on site, monthly meetings were maintained with the school for any outstanding decisions, with less formal meetings on site for progress updates.
Environmental improvements
Environmental considerations were integral to the project, ensuring compliance with DfE building regulations. This involves a minimum 10% improvement in existing building services. Upgrades include more energy-efficient mechanical plant selections and transitioning from fluorescent tubes to LED panels. The utilisation of windcatchers further reduces energy consumption tied to mechanical cooling systems, contributing to sustainability objectives.
To enhance energy efficiency and indoor air quality, the project integrates windcatchers, rooftop devices that facilitate natural ventilation by utilising wind pressure and buoyancy forces to supply fresh air and expel pollutants, decreasing the reliance on mechanical ventilation systems.
The energy-efficient lighting installed as part of the refurbishment reduced carbon emissions by 58.4% per annum – the equivalent of taking three cars off the road.
Social Value
During the project we delivered a number of social value initiatives.
We provided a successful six week work placements for a young person Not in Education, Employment or Training.
Our Contracts Manger and Senior Quantity Surveyor provided curriculum support to Liverpool City College students, by facilitating ‘A Day in the Life in Construction Session’. The learners, who were completing a level 2 and 3 Construction in the Built Environment BTEC and T-Level.
We also provided careers advice, CV support and mock interviews on two separate occasions to unemployed service-users of OnPoint Trac, a Liverpool based multiskilled organisation, providing training for unemployed people with a focus on the civil, construction, plant machinery and rail sectors.
Since the start of the project to create a new school building for our pupils with special educational needs, the team from Seddon Construction have made every effort to understand the needs and specific requirements that our pupils have. The team have ensured that the school leaders have been supported through the complexities of the re-build project, especially as the remit changed mid project. Being on site in temporary accommodation whilst the building undergoes its transformation has been made possible by the constant communication between the Seddon team and school staff, and by their very swift response to resolve any issues so that teaching and learning was not interrupted.
Michelle Beard, Headteache
