St Nicholas SEN School

A new school has been completed for the existing St Nicholas SEN Primary School. The Two Stage Design and Build project, utilises an NEC Contract incorporating the use of CEMAR. The project scope expands and modernises the 2 Form Entry (2FE) school into a 4 Form Entry (4FE) to allow space for the increasing demand for specialist places (SEN pupil places). The project maximises external play space, existing site profile opportunities and safe secure pupil drop-off by centralising all accommodation into one 4-storey block; utilising a steel frame structure. The project more than doubles the area of the accommodation from approx. 2000m² to approx. 4350m². Additionally it increases the current MUGA allocation from approx. 230m² to approx. 450m².

To facilitate both accelerated installation and ensure cost effectiveness, the buildings frame is made of braced steel with precast hollowcore decks. To distribute the loads on to the chalk substrate, the structure bears onto a reinforced concrete raft slab.

This was a challenging project as the school remained open throughout construction. The site is on a sloping hill face with substantial level changes from east to west. There are mature trees flanking the perimeter all of which are subject to a Tree Preservation Order. In light of these collective factors, tight co-ordination between enabling works and the construction phases has been imperative.