Bishopston comprehensive school - remodelling and refurbishment

The Outline Business Case (OBC) was approved by WG in February 2019; Cabinet approved the scheme and contract award in May 2020. The Full Business Case was approved by WG in June 2020.

Work is progressing to implement plans to undertake an extension, remodelling and refurbishment project to address condition and suitability issues. The programme of works will be phased as appropriate to prioritise the areas of greatest need.

The project includes:

• Refurbishment to address as a priority condition category C and D elements.
• Backlog maintenance significantly reduced.
• Remodelling and extension or new block to address suitability issues.
• Improvements to building efficiency.

Progress update - August 2023

Bishopston Comprehensive school was officially opened by Councillor David Hopkins on 7 July 2023.

Kier handed over the final phase of the internal refurbishment on 31 March 2023.

The completion of the remodelling and refurbishment of Bishopston Comprehensive school has brought the building up to 21st Century school standards. The project took 3 years to complete with the school remaining on site throughout the construction works.

The project has provided the school with a wide range of new and improved spaces such as a new teaching block replacing the old demountables at the rear of the site, a fit for purpose drama and art studios as well as several science classrooms.

Pupils can now enjoy using the newly refurbished resource centre which has been designed to support independent learning, along with an upgraded hall and stage area.

The project has created a new open reception entrance and senior leadership offices.

The school's faculty areas have now been relocated which has allowed the school to coordinate the delivery of the curriculum much more effectively.

The main school building has benefited from a full mechanical and electrical upgrade.

The remaining demountable to the front of the site has been demolished and all the external works have been completed following the removal of Kier's site compound.

As part of the project a number of cycle racks have been installed across the site which is hoped will encourage both staff and pupils to cycle to school.

Project timeline

All dates are provisional and will be confirmed at each stage of the process.

Project team

Mr Jeff Bird, Headteacher

Stuart Page, Project Manager

Sarah Rees, Project Support Officer

Claire Lewis-Hopkins and Lee Wyndham, Beyond Bricks and Mortar, Community Benefits

Julian Elsey, ICT Business Relationship Coordinator, Information and Business Change

Darrel Barnes, Architectural Design Manager

Wayne Ganderton, NEC Project Manager, Aecom Consultants

Robert Barnes - Senior Quantity Surveyor

Peter Rogers, Senior CDM Construction Officer

Community benefits

The Council is committed to supporting local firms and creating jobs for local people. During the proposed works, the Principal Contractor will use local suppliers, where possible, for materials and products. Contractors will be encouraged to employ local workers and offer work experience to unemployed young people.

As part of the Kickstart programme Kier have employed a young labourer from Swansea for a six month placement, during this time Harry will be able to see at close hand all the different opportunities within the construction industry which will hopefully help him decide which path he should take.

Pupil engagement

STEAM (Science, Technology, English, Art and Maths) engagement will form an integral part of the project. The contractor and Council will work together with the school to support learning opportunities throughout the build project.

Kier have been working with the school's art department to create some art work for the site hoarding, the theme being Coastal Environment. Through word and images pupils have painted clear messages in their art work of the need to protect and sustain the coastal environment.

Kier have also supported and encouraged the school to form a small group of pupil ambassadors who visit the site on a regular basis and along with Kier's site manager walk the areas being refurbished. This gives the pupils an understanding of all the work and infrastructure being installed behind the scenes, this is then fed back to the whole school through regular assemblies ensuring all pupils are updated on the project.

Community projects

As part of the Bishopston School contract, Kier have supported Bishopston Primary school with clearance and maintenance works to their nature garden.

During the Easter break work took place to:

• remove the existing concrete shed;
• clear the nature area of rubbish and rubble;
• patch up the existing fence line as well as creating a base for an outdoor classroom.

The school are thrilled with the work undertaken and are looking forward to using more of the outdoor area during the summer term.