Description

Expanding Educational Facilities for a Growing School Community

The Stamford Welland Academy project was driven by the increasing demand for additional science teaching facilities and improved welfare provision to support the school’s growing enrolment numbers. The development involved the construction of a new single-storey extension to Block 03, delivering two new science laboratories, a dedicated prep room, additional storage facilities and enhanced WC provision through internal remodelling works.

Working within a fully operational school environment, the project required careful coordination, strong communication and a proactive approach to minimise disruption to students, staff and day-to-day school activities. Through effective collaboration with Keir and the wider project team, Gelder successfully delivered a high-quality educational facility on programme and within budget.

Points to Consider

Delivering construction works on a live educational site presented several key challenges which required detailed planning and close coordination throughout the programme:

1. Live School Environment

All works were undertaken within a fully occupied school campus, requiring strict health and safety controls, segregated working areas and carefully managed construction activities to ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors.

2. Phased Construction Programme

The project was carefully planned in stages to minimise operational disruption. Works included demolition, structural construction, roofing, internal remodelling and external alterations, all coordinated around the school’s daily activities.

3. Site Access & Safety

Alterations to the fire tender access route and pedestrian footpaths required meticulous planning to maintain safe access routes across the campus while construction activities progressed.

Solutions & Technical Specifications

The project delivered modern educational facilities designed to support both practical learning and the long-term operational needs of the academy. Key elements included:

New Science Laboratories

Construction of two modern science laboratories designed to provide flexible and high-quality learning environments for students.

Specialist Support Facilities

Provision of a dedicated prep room and additional storage space to support the efficient delivery of science teaching activities.

Structural Construction

The extension was constructed using a steel frame structure installed on foundation pads, with a ground-bearing floor slab and trussed rafter roof finished with tiled battens.

Internal Remodelling

Internal refurbishment works created additional WC facilities and improved accessibility provisions throughout the school building.

External Works

Associated site works included modifications to pedestrian footpaths and improvements to the fire tender access route to enhance overall campus safety and accessibility.

The People Behind the Project

The successful delivery of Stamford Welland Academy reflects the collaborative efforts of the Contracts Manager, design consultants, engineers, subcontractors and site teams who worked closely together throughout the project.

Strong communication, detailed programme management and a proactive approach to problem solving ensured the project progressed safely and efficiently within a live school environment. Regular coordination with the client and school representatives allowed construction activities to be carefully managed while maintaining normal day-to-day operations.

Community Impact

The completed extension provides Stamford Welland Academy with modern, high-quality science teaching facilities and improved welfare provision that will support students and staff for years to come. The investment enhances the school’s ability to accommodate increasing enrolment numbers while delivering an improved educational environment focused on accessibility, safety and long-term functionality.

The project demonstrates the importance of effective collaboration, careful planning and high-quality construction in delivering successful educational developments within live operational environments.

Gelder Statement

This project reflects Gelder’s commitment to delivering high-quality educational environments through effective collaboration, careful planning and professional project management. By successfully operating within a live school environment, we demonstrated our ability to deliver safe, efficient and sustainable construction solutions that support the long-term needs of our clients and local communities.

Ollie Taylor    Senior Contracts Manager