The brief

The brief was to design, manufacture, and install a new modular nursery building.

The challenges

Disruption to the school needed to be kept to a minimum, and the timescales were tight.

The solution

Thurston delivered a high-quality, modular nursery building for Dunn Street Primary School in South Tyneside, with a BBA certificate which provides assurance that the facility has a minimum design life of 60 years. The building’s exterior features both render and cedar cladding, with a traditional style pitched roof and bright red tiles.

To keep disruption to school activities to a minimum, 90% of the work took place offsite, with installation and delivery taking place during the school holidays. Minimal works during in term-time were carried out under a carefully planned-out programme, and the new building has handed over in time for the start of the new term.

The project was closely monitored by the project manager, site supervisor and the sub-contractor supervisors on site, enabling Thurston’s to closely manage the key works and, where delays were identified, take all necessary actions to ensure the building was handed over on time.

South Tyneside Council was so pleased with the new childcare facility that Thurston has since manufactured and installed a further extension to Dunn Street Primary School, adding a larger reception and two additional classrooms, along with a new staff room, an additional office, and storage space.