Mandeville Primary School

Mandeville Primary School, a Grade II listed heritage asset located in the London Borough of Hackney, requiring extensive refurbishment to preserve its historical significance and ensure structural integrity.

Originally, the works included brick replacement and liquid waterproofing of flat roofs. However after extensive surveys, the scope was expanded to include a comprehensive refurbishment of the school’s bell tower, extensive façade repairs with lime pointing, corbel replacement, restoration of pediment masonry, and roof tile replacement.

Several challenges were encountered during the project. Structural issues with the corbels, which were found to be unsafe due to poor historical repairs, caused a significant delay. The replacement corbels had a lead time of 16-28 weeks, leading to a six-month postponement of the project. Logistical challenges were also prominent, necessitating the implementation of safety measures such as hoarding around scaffolding and restricted delivery times to avoid school hours. Additionally, noisy works had to be carefully scheduled around school activities and exams to minimize disruption.

Engagement with stakeholders was a critical aspect of the project. Regular bi-weekly meetings were held with representatives from the client Hackney  Council and consultants McBains. Daily coordination was maintained with the school’s headteacher and compliance with heritage conservation requirements was delivered through multiple review meetings with conservation officers.

In conclusion, the refurbishment of Mandeville Primary School was a complex project that successfully addressed significant structural and logistical challenges. The expansion of the project scope, along with effective stakeholder engagement and a commitment to social value, ensured the preservation of the school’s heritage while positively impacting the local community.