Barnes Junior School, Sunderland

As the infant and junior schools were Grade II listed, demolishing the structures and building a brand-new facility was not an option.

Instead, our team worked around these attractive old buildings and constructed extensions and new walkways that connected the old with the new. Replacing like-for-like where appropriate, we worked closely with Sunderland City Council and the Historic Building Society throughout the project. 

The existing dining block was demolished as this was not listed, meaning we could create a new dining block between both school buildings, along with an enclosed glass walkway access on both sides.

The new building is home to a brand-new kitchen, dining hall, classrooms, and office space, and incorporates solar energy panels to reduce the school’s carbon footprint, expanding capacity and upgrading facilities for generation of learners. 

We take great pride in our social and community engagement initiatives, and on every project, we look to improve the lives of people in the communities we work.

At Barnes Junior School, our site team engaged with the local community from the outset and provided detailed information to residents about planned events, how long we would be on site, and what they might expect.

From one of these events, a local resident who has been made redundant during the Covid-19 pandemic got in touch with us about possible employment opportunities. Our site manager was able to offer the local resident a general labouring position which has lasted the full length of the project.