The Bridge is a special education needs and disabilities school in Ipswich, Suffolk. The major redevelopment programme included the construction of a brand new state-of-the-art secondary school, the creation of immersive and engaging external spaces, and the refurbishment of the existing campus. Delivered in partnership with Morgan Sindall Construction and Concertus through the Suffolk County Council framework the project achieved a perfect rating for customer satisfaction.

The new secondary school is on the same site as The Bridge Primary School, which was built in 2014. The close proximity of both aims to help students with a smooth transition between primary and secondary education.

Having completed Phase 1 of Bridge School we returned to further enhance the facilities when we were appointed on Phase 2 to undertake the completed mechanical and electrical services. The new single-storey development is a Structural Insulated Panel (SIPs) design. Particular features include a hydrotherapy pool and changing facilities. The layout also benefits from sensory needs rooms, six further class spaces with kitchenettes, a music, room, multiactivity areas, soft play, food tech, life skills, an art studio, a commercial grade kitchen and a dining hall. The refurbishment phase entailed modernising the existing hall, offices, meeting rooms all framed around an extensive landscaping package.

The new extension was constructed in phases to enable the school to remain fully operational and take partial possession of handed over arears. Interestingly, the original completion date for the project was achieved. Despite the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, the team was able to adapt to the safe new working procedures and avoid delays through close management of the supply chain and working collaboratively at all stages with Morgan Sindall.

Role:

Mechanical and Electrical Contractor

Main Contractor:

Morgan Sindall

M & E Consultant:

Concertus

Architect:

Concertus

Value:

£1.8M

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