Refurbishment of Former School Building in Walsall

We were tasked with transforming an old, vandalised school building in Walsall that had been left empty for over two years. The building, with a total floor area of 1,400 m², underwent a full refurbishment over the course of 29 weeks. Our work restored the building’s functionality and modernised it to meet the client’s specific requirements.

Project Highlights:

• • Enabling Works: All debris and damaged materials were removed, and the building was stripped back to a shell in preparation for a comprehensive overhaul. This included the demolition of dilapidated outbuildings located in the car park.

• • Structural & Exterior Repairs: Our team repaired the roof, replaced all windows, and made minor structural alterations to ensure the building’s stability and to accommodate the new layout as detailed in the contract drawings.

• • Space Reconfiguration: The internal layout was redesigned to include new classrooms and staff areas, maximising space with a modern and functional spatial configuration. Almost 40% of all wall linings had to be replaced due to the damage sustained prior to our possession of the site.

• • Full Interior Fit-Out: We conducted a complete fit-out, including the installation of air conditioning, heating, and hot water systems, creating a comfortable environment for students and staff. All M&E systems were centralised, allowing control from a single location.

• • Electrical & Network Upgrades: A full electrical rewire was undertaken, incorporating access control systems for security, fire detection and alarms, modern lighting, and an extensive data installation.

• • Finishing Touches: All flooring was replaced, new joinery installed, and brand-new doors and frames fitted throughout. Acoustic panels were integrated into classrooms to enhance sound quality and minimise noise.

• • Specialised Areas: The project also included the installation of a fully equipped catering kitchen and a separate training kitchen for students, supporting a wide range of educational activities. Unique design details, such as feature doorways, halo lighting, and a mock food truck at the kitchen servery, were added to enhance the space.

External Works:

• • Brick and Stone Repairs: Externally, detailed repairs were made to the brickwork and stone facades, restoring the building’s original character while ensuring structural integrity.

• • Car Park Resurfacing: The car park was fully resurfaced, providing a smooth, durable surface for staff and visitor parking.

• • Play and Parking Areas: Fencing was installed to create dedicated play areas and parking zones, along with a multi-use games pitch and a soft-surface play area for younger pupils.

• • Landscaping: The external grounds were transformed with newly planted grass areas and screening hedgerows to enhance privacy and aesthetics.