The project involved the demolition of two school buildings at the rear of the school site and erection of a new three storey building which facilitates an additional one form of entry. Leasing out the third floor as office space during the interim period until additonal space is required provided the school with a valuable rental income stream.

The school is located in a busy part of London near to Victoria Station. The site borders two separate hotels to the North East and land owned by TfL in the form of a concrete slab over The District Underground line to the East.  As an underground train line runs along the East boundary, a process of TfL approval for design, method statements and works was undertaken as part of the enabling work for the project.

A significant portion of the fixed glazed front elevation is constructed from polycarbonate panels in a metal frame. Polycarbonate translucent panels were chosen due to the adjacency with the playground and to minimise issues relating to impact damage caused by play activity immediately next to the new building. They have the benefit of allowing a degree of natural lighting through but restricting vision outwards, thus increasing privacy within classrooms and minimising visual distractions.

The demolition and construction took place on the school’s outdoor recreation and sports space. Neilcott undertook careful liaison with the school to agree segregation measures and minimisation of site footprint. Temporary accommodation was provided on the playground during demolition of the existing building and construction of the new building.

“Everyone on the team worked hard to get the best possible outcome in design and on site for the client on time, cost and quality. The aftercare team then carried on this theme on by clearing the low number of defects swiftly and effectively with no arguments, even if the responsibility for rectification could be seen as muddy. It really is appreciated.”                                                                                                                         Katherine Sykes, Project Manager