Redcar and Cleveland College T-Levels

  • Form of Contract

    Form of Contract

    JCT Design & Build

  • Client

    Client

    Redcar & Cleveland College

  • Architect

    Architect

    Ellis William

  • Engineers

    Engineers

    Billinghurst George and Partners

  • Programme

    Programme

    12 Weeks

  • Completion

    Completion

    September 2022

Work Scope

Secured through a regional, collaborative framework, we are delivering two key phased projects running concurrently. The T-Levels Centre Repurposing Works, which included the refresh and creation of both internal and external teaching spaces within a live college environment and The Clean Energy Education Hub (still a live site).

The T-Levels contract required a full internal refit and upgrade including mechanical and electrical  systems to all three levels of the existing construction centre in Wing A of the college including  a full soft strip and demolition prior to commencement of the internal refurb. Running simultaneously with the internal refurb works, two new steel framed canopies were constructed, which created a partially weather protected environment for teaching all trade apprentices. The new steel structures required both hard surfacing and drainage. 

We fully segregated the site and communicated all our activities with the college using modern collaboration tools, so they understood our activities and phasing. This fast-track project was completed for the new college term in September 2022.

Key Project Challenges

  • Working in a live college environment.
  • Safe segregation of college staff and pupils from construction activities
  • Maintaining safe escape routes in the event of an emergency.
  • Completion for the new 2022 term start - 12 weeks from start to finish.
  • All site staff, visitors and subcontractors to have enhanced DBS checks.
  • Ensuring demolition activities did not impact on college functions/exams.
  • Academy IT integration.
  • Providing a calm and safe environment for students
  • Safe delivery on a logistically complex college site.
  • Affordability, delivery within the project budget.
  • Maximising social value outcomes.

How we successfully delivered the project:

We used ISO 44001 collaborative working protocols to build a united team and collaborate from the outset on this fast-track project. Our team used 4Projects management software to automate many of the contract and workflow processes, supporting transparency and collaboration with the client, project team and designers.

A robust community investment plan was aligned to the National
TOMs framework. We have engaged local suppliers, through online meet the buyer events to maximise local spend. Early engagement with the design team helped support the use of low carbon CRADLE products to design out waste.

Prior to commencement on site we undertook extensive planning and logistical workshops with the client team, college staff and our supply chain. The key to delivery of this project with its extremely tight time constraints depended on ensuring all subcontractors were in place with a fully completed design and all key materials were secured. We also used Britcon Steel, our in-house structural steel specialist to guarantee supply of the steel frames.

Added value and social impact:

  • SROI target £860k
  • Zero accidents/complaints
  • Use of low carbon materials and components
  • 99% of waste recycled 22,159kg of CO2 saved
  • 78% of subcontracts placed
  • 2 new jobs created
  • 44 apprentice weeks supported.
  • 3 school visits
  • 2 work experience placements provided
  • Open Doors event
  • 6 local people directly employed on the project
  • 65% of subcontractors local
  • Local community Redcar beach litter pick