Manor Church of England School, York

Education in value: New school demonstrates power of partnership

This new build school project to develop a 900-pupil performing arts facility is a great example of value engineering and creation through close partnership.

When budget constraints required significant savings, we worked with our supply chain partners to find new technologies that reduced both construction and running and maintenance costs - without compromising the ambitious plans of the client and design team, or the BREEAM rating that was central to the school's environmentally efficient badging. These included an alternative roof that saved £350,000 with no detriment to build or durability; reducing the building height by 0.5m (£100,000); annutization of the kitchen installation (£160,000); and changing the maintenance strategy of the building (£50,000).

Completed six week early
Early discussions with the school identified that the initial completion time could be problematic, so we held early design and sequencing workshops to speed on-site construction. The reprogramming of works also allowed us to create value by providing earlier access to revenue-generating facilities such as the sports pitch.

To promote interaction with the school and the wider community, we arranged a brickwork master class; monthly site tours for students and staff; school briefings by our own 'construction ambassadors'; a community day; and a charity bike ride that raised over £30,000.

Client: Manor C of E School

Project: Construction of 900-pupil performing arts facility

Duration: 65 weeks

Value: £17m

Categories: secondary schools, north east

Tags: BREEAM