The summer months are typically an extremely busy time for IPSL and, despite the current difficult climate, 2020 was no exception. Between June and September, IPSL delivered more than £2.1million of lifecyle works on behalf of more than 20 project companies at 57 different sites across the UK.
In 2020, IPSL delivered projects across 16 schools in Kirklees through lifecycle improvement works programmes, which included roofing, window replacements and pipework improvements. Delivering these works on the large scale that IPSL is used to proved challenging because of COVID-19 and its ramifications on the supply chain across the industry.
However, IPSL was still able to work collaboratively with schools and other stakeholders to ensure that essential maintenance programmes delivered improvements to facilities at high-quality, benefitting staff and students. Holmfirth High School is a fantastic example of our capabilities and demonstrates why the continuation of IPSL’s Summer Works programme is so important.
Initial Brief
Project Co, Kirklees Schools Services Limited, tasked the IPSL team with completing a mixture of lifecycle and variation works at Holmfirth High School on its and Kirkless Metropolitain Council’s (KMC) behalf. This included the specific challenge of upgrading many of the school’s washroom facilities. Although well maintained and operational, the school wanted to transform the washrooms into a high-quality, impressive area that was reminiscent of the standard found in high-end offices, via a variation.
As part of the project, IPSL was appointed to deliver a number of key services, including project management, client agent, quantity surveying and principle designer for Kirklees Schools Services Limited. Through these services, IPSL completed both lifecycle improvements and variations works.
IPSL worked closely with supply chain partners AHR and Clancy Consulting to design facilities that matched the client’s exact brief, creating plans that could be delivered on time and in budget. The project was successfully delivered by the school’s return on 4 September 2020.
Responding to challenges
IPSL faced numerous challenges while completing these works. The first and most obvious being the timings of the project. Work was scheduled to begin in April 2020, with the plans being postponed as a result of the national lockdown implemented on 23rd March.
The initial timing was anticipated to involve 13-weeks of work, meaning that the high school was hoping for works to be completed in June. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions caused a 10-week delay in the commencement of the project because the works were not classed as ‘essential’ in line with Government recommendations. There was also a loss of supply chain access and resources, due to the manufactures of IPS and sanitaryware prioritising hospital projects at that time.
To partially mitigate the delay and ensure the washrooms were completed for the start of the new school year, IPSL and its partners were able to compress the programme to 10-weeks by undertaking various works across the school simultaneously.
On top of the washroom refurbishments, the school via Kirklees Schools Services Limited, separately requested for further variation works to be completed, including redecorating several communal spaces and ten classrooms and having new flooring installed. Despite the classrooms request being a late addition, the work was completed to an exceptionally high standard and the school was thrilled with the end result.
Because of the timing, the first four weeks of work were undertaken while pupils were still at school. Working on a live site brings its own set of complications. To manage the situation effectively, IPSL and its strategic partners planned thoroughly, communicated clearly with each other and kept the school informed on progress at all times. Because of this, the school was very impressed with the level of efficiency and professionalism demonstrated by all involved.
A collaborative approach
IPSL prides itself on having an exceptional supply chain of trusted experts, who are available to work collaboratively on numerous projects. During the Summer Works, it’s essential for us to work with strategic partners who share our company values, vision and work ethic, and we’re extremely lucky to work alongside so many forward-thinking businesses.
During this project, Red Tree Contractors completed all of the washroom renovations, while Trident was responsible for the painting and decorating work across the school. IPSL also worked very closely with Crown Flooring, who replaced the flooring and Holloway Cook Associates, who conducted the lifecycle roofing work.
We revisited the school in October to complete some final touches on the project, and Kirklees Council have told us they are delighted with the level of finish provided.
Throughout the project, IPSL remained in clear communication with the client KSSL, the school and KMC, ensuring they were always well-informed of the project status, as well as any unexpected setbacks. All unforeseen situations were dealt with quickly and efficiently by the team, allowing the school to benefit from having additional works completed to exceed the anticipated project results.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our construction work, drop our Business Development Manager, Laura Evans, an email on laura.evans@imagileps.com
