Grove Academy, Dundee

Grove Academy, in Broughty Ferry near Dundee, was built in two phases on an existing school site and provides accommodation for 1,250 pupils. We also maintain Grove Academy as part of a multi-site FM services contract.

Grove Academy was built as part of a £100 million programme to renew the Dundee schools estate. It encompassed the design, construction, funding and operation of two new secondary schools (both with swimming pools) and six new primary schools. Robertson Capital Projects was part of the Discovery Education joint venture, alongside Sir Robert McAlpine and Dundee City Council. St Paul's was the other secondary school, while the primary schools included Craigowl, St Andrew's, Downfield, Rowantree, Fintry and Claypotts.

The school is a modern learning environment equipped for a 21st Century curriculum. It has 146 rooms with classrooms that use technology to enhance teaching and learning. There are also science laboratories, technology workshops, a library, art and music facilities for traditional and digital disciplines, and a stage for drama productions. The indoor sports hall and swimming pool are used by pupils as well as the local community.

Phase 1 saw most of the teaching accommodation built between the two existing school buildings. On completion of this phase, the school decanted in full, which allowed us to demolish the old building and start Phase 2.

Phase 2 consisted of the remaining teaching accommodation along with kitchen, dining and admin areas, and the leisure facilities such as swimming pool and games hall. The Phase 2 and Phase 1 buildings were connected through a temporary gable, creating a single school building.

Both phases were handed over on schedule, which involved detailed planning and co-ordination to transfer the school from the two existing buildings.

Construction was carried out in a live environment, requiring careful consideration of safety on site. An induction was given to every class in the school, highlighting the safety issues as well as giving an insight into the overall construction process and the timescale for the works. Segregation of our own work from that of the school was also given great importance.

Partners:

• Equity Funding: Robertson Capital Projects, Sir Robert McAlpine and Dundee City Council
• D&B Contractor: Robertson Tayside, Robertson Central and Sir Robert McAlpine
• FM Services Contractor: Robertson Facilities Management in partnership with Tayside Contracts – hard & soft FM
• Senior Debt Funding: Ambac Assurance (Monoline Bond)