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HomeCase studiesPriority Schools Building Programme

Priority Schools Building Programme

The North West of England

Working within strict timescales, VolkerLaser has utilised specialist solutions to deliver a government initiative to the benefit of schools nationwide.

Key services provided

  • Inverted roofing
  • Concrete deck work
  • Waterproofing

The Education Funding Agency (EFA)’s Priority Schools Building Programme is a nationwide government initiative to improve schools that are in urgent need of repair. Under this programme, 260 schools were rebuilt across the UK, and were finished in December 2017. The schools were grouped together by geographical region, with those requiring the most work prioritised.

Appointed as a specialist subcontractor, VolkerLaser was contracted to provide protection works to the current stock of twelve schools based in the North West - located in Blacon, Wigan, Neston, Prenton, Blackpool, Birkenhead, Halton, Stockport and Manchester.

Due to the strict timescales enforced by school holidays, it was important that work was carried out quickly. In order to meet these requirements, VolkerLaser specified Stirling Lloyd’s Integritank for the waterproofing of the new inverted roofs. The system’s fast curing time of 30-35 minutes was critical to the project, allowing other trades to continue working alongside the roof waterproofing. Applicable on 7-day old concrete, instead of the usual 28-day period - delivery speed was increased considerably. Our expertise and innovation cut valuable time on the project to just 36 weeks.

Throughout the first construction phase, approximately 8,500m² of waterproofing was applied, over 1,000 paving slabs laid, and over 8,000m² of vertical insulation installed. This preliminary phase was completed in March 2016 to the benefit of around 2,000 school children - ready for their return after the Easter break, for the start of summer term.

Working through the wettest winter on record, and relentless high winds, conditions were challenging for all involved due to adverse weather. Despite the limited hours of daylight, the VolkerLaser team worked hard to ensure the delivery of the works.

Built within existing boundaries, adjacent to live schools, the VolkerLaser team worked with the client to minimise disruption, noise and smell from the works. As part of our corporate social responsibility, VolkerLaser worked in close liaison with headteachers and staff at the schools, in order to educate pupils about site safety and the dangers of construction.

As a considerate contractor, VolkerLaser was proud to receive Morgan Sindall’s Safety Award for the project’s positive attitude to health and safety - as well as coming in top in our client’s Supply Chain Partners Safety League.

“The Priority Schools Building Programme is an important government initiative to be involved in, and through this project we’re committed to improving the school environment for the North West community.”

Richard Woodward, site manager.

Facts and figures

  • Client
    Morgan Sindall
  • Value
    £1.3 million
  • Duration
    37 weeks
  • Project categories
    Building

Learn more about this project?

Contact enquiries@volkerlaser.co.uk »
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