St. Vincent’s RC Primary School – Class-Base Extensions (EFA-Funding)

As part of M+C’s asset management service, five year property management plans look at the future property requirements of a client’s property portfolio. In 2009 it was recognised that the existing classroom accommodation of St Vincent’s Roman Catholic Primary School would not meet future needs, prompting future space planning.

As a result of this activity, a strategic plan was instigated to secure EFA-funding for the provision of class-base extensions to all of the existing accommodation over the ensuing three years. To minimise the impact of the required work, the overall scheme of works was divided in to three phases to be delivered over three years, ensuring that the day-to-day activities of the school were hindered as little as possible.

Overall, bid applications were successful in achieving funding for around 80% of the total scheme value via the Educational Funding Agency.

The construction work allowed overall increases in the size of the classrooms, library and IT office by 20%, and included a total refurbishment of the existing space.

In keeping with the traditional nature of the school buildings, the new extensions featured an extension of the existing slate roof, with Hardie plank exterior cladding. Internally, the works consisted of a full refurbishment, as well as modifications and extension of the heating system and installation of additional lighting.

To minimise the impact on the pupils, works were initiated so as to complete the major construction works during summer holidays, with internal refurbishment/finishing completed whilst the decamped students were accommodated within the school hall for a minimal period.