Britcon was appointed to deliver a new £4.5 million Performing Arts Centre at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) in Alwoodley, Leeds. The project involved the construction of a modern three storey extension seamlessly connected to existing school accommodation, creating a dedicated facility to support performing arts education. Delivered within a live educational environment, the scheme required careful planning, close stakeholder collaboration and a robust approach to safeguarding and logistics throughout the 45 week programme.
Scope of Works
The project comprised the construction of a new Performing Arts Centre featuring a three storey extension linked to an existing building through a new single-storey connection. Works included demolition and alterations to existing accommodation, full internal fit-out, installation of specialist theatre equipment, external works and associated service infrastructure. Prior to the main construction phase, Britcon completed a programme of enabling works to prepare the site for the new academic year. These works included wall modifications, MEP services reconfiguration and the installation of new steel staircases and landing areas. Extensive planning and logistics workshops were undertaken with the client, estates team and supply chain partners to ensure the project could be delivered safely and efficiently within the operational school environment.
Challenges
Delivering a major construction project within a live school environment presented several complex challenges. Maintaining the safety of pupils, staff and visitors was paramount, requiring strict segregation between construction activities and the operational school. The project team also had to ensure emergency escape routes remained accessible at all times and that demolition works were carefully managed to avoid disruption to teaching, examinations and day-to-day school functions. All operatives, visitors and subcontractors were required to hold enhanced DBS clearance, adding an additional layer of planning and compliance. The project was further challenged by tight programme constraints, budget requirements and the need to maximise social value outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
Outcomes
Through detailed pre-construction planning and strong stakeholder engagement, Britcon successfully delivered the new Performing Arts Centre in time for the academic programme. Bi-weekly lean planning workshops enabled continuous review of logistics, programme activities and site coordination, ensuring potential issues were identified and resolved proactively. The use of Britcon’s in house structural steel specialist, BES, supported the delivery of complex enabling works, while ISO 44001 collaborative working principles helped create a unified project team from the outset. Procore project management software provided transparency and efficient communication between the client, design team and supply chain.
The completed facility provides GSAL with a high quality performing arts space equipped with specialist theatre facilities, enhancing opportunities for students and supporting the school’s long term educational ambitions. The project also delivered significant social value benefits, including apprenticeships, work experience opportunities, local employment and high levels of waste recycling. With a strong focus on collaboration, safety and programme certainty, the project was completed successfully in May 2024.