Education Refurbishment Schemes

Vextrix discussed the layout of the panels with the designer, advising on access requirements and highlighting the importance of ensuring that each panel can be accessed directly with adequate gaps for walkways to access individual panels. As a result an arrangement was agreed that provided adequate walkways between each of the two rows of panels.

Although the roof at the college was flat with edge protection in place, there was not permanent access from the ground level. A fixed ladder access to the roof was proposed, the team advised the client that this route can only be used for inspection, and no materials or panel replacements will be possible via this route, meaning the requirement for temporary material lifting equipment. It was agreed that an additional route from an adjacent college building will be created to offer safe access to the panels for repair and replacement.

Added Value

Vextrix has experience of working on several projects involving the installation of PV panels in challenging settings, such as on the roof of railway stations and depots. The team has worked with pitched and curved roofs, which either had or lacked means of access. Many of these previous projects involved additional design requirements for access and the provision of structural walkways, meaning the team were able to support the client with significant knowledge and experience taken from overcoming previous challenges.

Former South Shields School Refurbishment

Our client OCS Group UK Limited appointed Vextrix to provide Employers Agent and Quantity Surveying services on the refurbishment of the former South Shields School in South Tyneside. The team was appointed to deliver a range of stakeholder engagement, including engagement with the Local Authority along with delivering CDM Services in a client advisory role, as part of their employer’s obligations.

The team provided the client with a full CDM Consultancy service, overseeing the delivery of the CDM duties under the CDM Regulations 2015. These duties include reviewing the documentation prepared by the Principal Designer, including the Pre-construction Information, the Hazard Risk Register and Designer’s Risk Assessments from the lead architect.

The team delivered their duties reviewing the Construction Phase Plan prepared by the Principal Contractor and conducted regular health and safety inspections of the site to oversee the Principal Contractors’ delivery of the CDM duties, including the work being undertaken in line with the Construction Phase Plan and all relevant Health and Safety Regulations.

As part of our commitment to social value, the team also offered to engage with the council to invite local school pupils to visit the site and demonstrate what’s involved in a construction project.

Winstanley College Refurbishment

Vextrix was appointed by our client Winstanley College as Principal Designer on a refurbishment scheme throughout the summer of 2022. The scheme consisted of the refurbishment of the science labs, including the installation of a new source of heating, the re-wire of the sports hall, new fencing and turnstile installation, along with an extension to the school canteen.

The team worked closely with the client, providing advice on the delivery of the project in line with the CDM Regulations throughout the design process, during the appointment of a Principal Contractor and throughout the delivery of the construction phase.

The team supported the client through the pre-construction process by:

• Producing the required pre-construction information packs,
• Ensuring the design follows the principles of prevention by reviewing the drawings and liaising with the designers
• Working in close cooperation with the contractors on the production of the construction phase plans.

Vextrix delivered advice strictly adhering to the CDM Regulations, supporting the client’s budget and scope of works while remaining legally complaint. Vetxrix also coordinated matters regarding communications between the concurrent sites and welfare provisions for each contractor as, due to the size of the college it was possible to keep the contractors confined to their own work areas.

Added Value

The team attended design and progress meetings to coordinate matters relating to health and safety at the pre-construction phase. Established close working relationship with the contractors and checked Construction Phase Plans to support the client in their CDM duties. Once the works started on site,  the team completed inspections of each work area and issued a report with findings. Vextrix was able to provide the client with comprehensive CDM advice based on the extent of their previous experience delivering a range of projects in various sectors.