Meldrum Civil Engineering were appointed to erect temporary accommodation for 180 students at Burnside Academy in Houghton Le Spring.

Following the recent pumping and drainage works undertaken at the school, the school buildings experienced excessive structural settlements making it necessary to shift the education facilities temporarily. The provision of a separate temporary school site within the main school grounds is to enable safe environment for the school to operate in. The emergency works came to Meldrum 9 weeks prior to completion date, resulting in a challenging programme – which was delivered on time.

Civils engineering works within the 9 weeks included:-

• Earthworks
• Foundations to the temporary cabins
• Drainage system incorporating rising main chamber
• Tarmac hard stands

Included in the build were 6 classrooms, a large administration block, a large kitchen and dining area, as well as all associated drainage, services and external works.

During the works at Burnside Academy the children were allocated to other schools in the area, meaning it was imperative that the build was complete on time. Although the works came with short notice the team pulled together to produce fantastic results; just in time for the reopening at the beginning of the school term on November 1^st 2021.

Meldrum Civil Engineering are looking forward to carrying out the major repair works to the existing school’s drainage system and building.