Westwood Road, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 8DN.
RAEBUILD successfully completed the refurbishment of an existing science laboratory classroom at St Edwards CE Academy in Leek in April 2022. The project transformed an outdated teaching space into a modern, fully refurbished laboratory designed to support practical science learning and day-to-day curriculum delivery. Delivered under a JCT Minor Works contract with contractor’s design elements, the scheme included new laboratory furniture, services, finishes, flooring, ceilings, internal doors, hygienic wall cladding, drainage, mechanical and electrical installations, and associated teaching equipment.
St Edwards CE Academy required the refurbishment of an existing science laboratory classroom to provide a modern, practical, and fit-for-purpose teaching environment.
The brief involved stripping out the existing room and delivering a full refurbishment programme following a demolition and refurbishment survey coordinated by Wood Goldstraw & Yorath Architects.
Time was a key consideration, with completion required in line with the school’s programme to ensure the laboratory could be brought back into use for the Summer Term.
The specification included removal of existing fittings and finishes, plastering, building repairs, laboratory furniture, reconfigured service ducts, vinyl flooring, drainage works, internal doors, mechanical and electrical installations, hygienic wall cladding, suspended ceilings, decoration, roller blinds, and pinboards.
We were appointed as Principal Contractor following a competitive tender process and worked closely with Wood Goldstraw & Yorath Architects and the M&E consultants to develop and deliver the refurbishment. Contractor design elements were produced for the new laboratory furniture, ensuring the final layout and specification met the Employer’s requirements and supported effective classroom use.
A clear construction programme was developed to manage the tight timescales, with regular meetings held throughout the works to maintain progress and resolve issues quickly.
A Construction Phase Plan and traffic management arrangements were implemented to manage safety, access, and site logistics. The works were delivered by an experienced project team, including an SMSTS-qualified Site Manager, with trusted subcontractors and suppliers used to ensure quality and programme certainty.
The project was completed to the required timescales, allowing the refurbished science laboratory to be available for staff and pupils at the start of the Summer Term on 25 April 2022.
The completed classroom provides a clean, modern, and well-equipped learning environment that supports practical science teaching and improves the overall student experience.
The refurbishment has given the school a durable, functional, and attractive laboratory space with upgraded services, improved finishes, new furniture, and modern teaching infrastructure.
Through careful programming, close collaboration, and effective site management, we delivered the works with minimal disruption while prioritising safety, access, and quality throughout.
