Project case study

New Performing Arts and Learning Centres, UK

Public and private

Sustainable engineering to reduce environmental impact

  • Toxic and dangerous groundworks alleviated
  • Surface water removal costs removed
  • Phasing to reduce time, disruption and cost
  • Design and build strategy maximised.
Client

Birchwood Community High School

Value
£6.2 million
Partners

Wates

Funded by the Learning Skills Council and Warrington Borough Council Morgan Sindall were appointed as civil and structural engineers to deliver the two building; a post-16 learning centre and new performing arts centre.

Intended to follow a traditional procurement route, the design team proposed merging a strategic site position and merging the projects into one Design and Build (D&B) project to reduce impact on school operations. The completed College comprises two storeys including teaching / Seminar Rooms, teaching kitchen and restaurant, cafeteria, sport changing Facilities for student and community use.

Categorised as Characteristic Situation 3 after studies indicated high levels of methane and carbon dioxide from exiting sewerage treatment works under both buildings. The design incorporated a passive single size aggregate venting layer, an inspected and certified gas membrane and in-situ concrete floor slab to achieve the mitigation levels required.