Quarry Hill Academy – Asbestos Removal And Lighting Upgrade (CIF)

Throughout the twin sites making up Quarry Hill Academy, the ageing fibreboard ceilings created major maintenance issues. Difficulties in accessing both lighting and water distribution systems meant that maintenance activities were disproportionately expensive and time-consuming. As a result the mechanical and electrical systems were becoming increasingly problematic, requiring significant maintenance work to ensure their continued operation. Maintenance was also regularly hindered by the widespread presence of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs).

As part of a wider estate strategy, M+C were commissioned to support the school in developing a Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bid to the Education Funding Authority (EFA) to undertake a widespread asbestos removal programme alongside a major lighting (LED) upgrade and the provision of new ceilings.

As part of the CIF bid, M+C undertook a series of technical surveys and collated a wide range of supporting information to develop a bid that clearly illustrated a significant need for the funding of the works proposed. Procurement for the scheme was undertaken as part of the bid process to offer cost certainty to the EFA, along with a detailed programme of works.

With the bid successfully approved, Forum Contracts were appointed to deliver the scheme as main contractor. Independent Asbestos were nominated as part of the supply chain to undertake the asbestos removal. The scheme was delivered against a tight time schedule of just five weeks during the summer recess. The asbestos removal was completed under controlled conditions in line with the requisite regulations, with the installation of the new ceiling system and low-energy LED lighting following once made safe.