Procast wins £490k contract to extend Lanarkshire primary school during term time
A £490,000 contract to construct and fit out an all-new extension to a primary school in Lanarkshire has been won by construction and property experts Procast.
The extensive five-month makeover at Cleland Primary, which will begin on 8 August, will present significant challenges because the majority of the work will take place during term time.
However, Procast has said it will draw on its considerable expertise of delivering projects in high-footfall and public areas where the day-to-day needs of the client have to be taken into account.
The extension project will comprise demolition of the existing annexe building together with downtakings; a new dining area; new kitchen facilities; new classroom and general-purpose room; toilet facilities; and hard landscaping.
Because the programme will be undertaken during term time and because access to the footprint of the extension is through communal entrance shared with staff, visitors and pupils, careful “traffic management” will be a key aspect.
The works are similar to those currently being completed by Procast for the same client, North Lanarkshire Council, at Whitelees Primary in Cumbernauld.
Some of the features of the contract include powder-coated aluminium curtain walling with integrated doors and windows and standing seam metal cladding.
Frank McManus, managing director of Procast, said: “This new few facility will be a great addition to the school and local community. However, a few exciting challenges will have to be overcome to ensure this project is a huge success.
“As the majority of works will occur during term time, and despite health and safety standards being adhered to, an amount of disruption is inevitable but is expected and will be planned for. Managing dust and dirt will be an issue, as will noise, increased traffic, reduced playground areas and services and utilities work.
“But we will adopt many measures to reduce disruption to the school and wider local community.”
Procast, which is based in Strathaven, Lanarkshire, and which comprises three business strands – building contractors, property services and energy services – is scheduled to hand over to the council on 21 January 2021.