Project Description

Meldrum Civil Engineering were appointed to repair the foundations and drainage at Burnside School

Initially our team ended up erecting temporary accommodation for 180 students at Burnside Academy in Houghton Le Spring to allow education to continue for the students. The repairs and upgrade to the existing school included new pumping stations, renewing all of the drainage and repairs to the damaged section of the building.

Which split the job into two phases.

Phase 1

During phase 1 of the works at Burnside Academy the children were evacuated 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 of the school on November 1st. The provision of a separate temporary school site within the main school grounds enabled safe environment for the school to operate in. Following appointment the emergency works to build a temporary school took only 9 weeks with Meldrum Civils delivering a challenging programme on time.

Civils Works, Phase 1

• Earthworks

• Foundations to the temporary cabins

• Drainage system incorporating Pumping Station and rising main.

• Tarmac hard stands

Phase 2

Phase 2 was the major repair works to the existing school’s drainage system and building.

After stabilizing the building and improving the car parking spaces, the school has undergone a facelift which included, expanding the dining hall, new communal areas, a new library, IT suite and play areas.

The new facilities will provide a modern and inspirational place for youngsters from the surrounding areas to learn and develop.

Civils Works, Phase 2

• Drainage Design Development

• Foul & Surface Water Drainage Replacement

• Foul & Surface Water Pumping Stations

• Surface Water Attenuation Systems

• Services Supply to Pumping Stations

• Foul & Surface Water Rising Mains

• Reinstatement of the School Playground

• Reinstatement of the Early Years Area

• Footpaths

• Car Park

• Landscaping

• Building Stabilisation and Rebuild to damaged section.

• Removal of Temporary School & reinstatement of the school playing field.

Handover

Upon handover, Burnside’s children were so ecstatic they took the Meldrum team on a tour of their new school and told us what the new school meant to them.

Year 4 pupil Anna Raine, nine, said: “The new school has a much bigger hall and classrooms which are better for our learning. We also have more freedom to move around the school and have corridors to put up our displays in.” – Sunderland Echo

Headteacher Leona Kelly said: “Today is a massive day as after 27 months we are delighted to be back in our completely refurbished building. Burnside has always been at the heart of the community, and we are grateful for the support everyone has offered us during the last two years, which has been a challenging time.” – Sunderland Echo

Jonathan Mellis commented further: “Our teams have worked tirelessly to overcome many challenges on this difficult project, and I would like to thank them again for their ongoing effort and commitment.”

Sunderland Echo Coverage: https://www.sunderlandecho.com/education/children-and-staff-move-back-into-school-building-after-ps4million-refurbishment-4175867