A Cramlington-based construction company has completed emergency work to transform a former care facility into a temporary school.
Compass Developments was commissioned to deliver the urgent work by Northumberland County Council after the temporary closure of Mowbray Primary School in Stakeford.
The school was closed late last year after structural defects were found at the building, which was originally built in the 1920s.
10 weeks: a challenging timeline for a temporary school
Work started in January when the firm met the design team to quickly develop a plan for a ten-week construction programme to transforming the former Foundry House care home in Bedlington into a temporary school.
The work meant altering and adapting of the single-storey building to provide classrooms, safeguarding facilities, welfare accommodation, dining areas and an upgrade of office areas and support facilities.
That included some demolition work, structural alterations, accessibility adaptations, mechanical and electrical modifications, flooring and re-decoration works, new toilet facilities, security improvements, and an internal reconfiguration of the building.
Stephen O’Neill, director at Compass Developments, said: “This was a complex project with a very challenging timeline, but we responded to the confidence placed in us and delivered on time and within budget.
“Because of the project’s urgent nature, co-ordination and communication was key. We talked daily to Northumberland County Council, the design team and supply chain partners to ensure progress was maintained throughout the accelerated programme.”
He added: “I’m proud of the work we did, providing brilliant facilities for the pupils in a very short time period.
The project demonstrated our ability to rapidly mobilise and deliver technically co-ordinated, public-sector refurbishment under significant time pressure, but without compromising the highest standards of quality.”
Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member for children and young people at Northumberland County Council, said: “Ensuring our young people receive the best possible education is crucial, and when issues like this occasionally occur, it’s critical we act fast.
“This has been a real team effort and we now have a first-class modern teaching environment which I’m sure will be appreciated by everyone who uses it.”
Recent Compass projects have included a £2.5m contract to restore two Heapsteads from the former Woodhorn Colliery, which now serve as a main attractionat Woodhorn Museum.
Source: https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/business/top-marks-for-building-firms-emergency-school-project-8784911