Introduction

Moor End Community Primary School underwent a transformative refurbishment focused on removing asbestos materials from the roof structure and internal ceilings, replacing the full roof system, installing new suspended ceilings, and upgrading lighting and safety systems.

The school is a central community asset, and the project needed to deliver both technical excellence and community sensitivity, ensuring pupils returned in September to a safer, brighter and fully modernised learning environment.

Duration

Start Date: July 2023 Completion Date: September 2023 (6 week school holiday)

Delivered within the tight 6 week school holiday window, ensuring the building was fully operational for the new term.

Key Improvements Delivered

Energy Efficiency

· Installation of bagged insulation above all new suspended ceilings to significantly improve thermal performance and reduce heat loss.

Safety & Compliance

· Full removal of asbestos across roof and internal ceiling areas, eliminating long-term risks and ensuring the school meets modern compliance standards.

· Installation of new smoke alarms and LED lighting, improving safety and energy use.

Modernisation

· New suspended ceilings enhanced classroom brightness, acoustic quality and overall learning conditions.

· A high spec roofing system (felt, battens and tiles) delivered long lasting asset protection.

Comfort & Accessibility

· No accessibility modifications were required.

· Though no specific comfort upgrades were initially specified, the combined improvements in insulation and lighting contribute to a noticeably improved indoor environment.

Challenges

Extremely tight programme

The most significant challenge was delivering the entire project including asbestos removal, roofing works, ceilings, lighting and reinstatement within a non negotiable 6 week school holiday period.

Asbestos complexity

Large volumes of asbestos materials (roof tiles, ceilings, void debris) required coordinated removal by licensed specialists and careful sequencing between trades.

Multi contractor coordination

The number of subcontractors involved meant that detailed planning and communication were essential to avoid delays.

Solutions & How Challenges Were Overcome

· 7 day a week working to maintain programme momentum and ensure no slippage.

· Pre start meeting with all subcontractors to establish the programme, responsibilities and expectations.

· High levels of communication between site management, Lancashire County Council, subcontractors and the school.

· Overlapping work streams where safe and compliant to maximise efficiency.

· Continuous monitoring of progress to identify potential delays early.

These proactive approaches ensured the project was delivered on time, safely and to specification despite the compressed schedule.

Value Added for the Community & Client

For Pupils, Staff & Community

· A completely asbestos free environment, giving peace of mind to families and staff.

· A brighter, healthier, and more energy efficient school, improving daily learning conditions.

· Long term confidence in the safety and modernity of the facility.

For the School

· A futureproofed roofing system and ceiling infrastructure.

· Improved safety, compliance and building performance.

· A successful high risk project delivered within a tight timeframe minimising disruption to the school calendar.

· Long term benefits for current and future cohorts of pupils, as noted by the Site Manager.

Total Cost

£280,000.00