Westminster Cathedral RC Primary School – SEN Refurbishment

High-quality refurbishment delivered on time, on budget, with added value.

Work Details

Client Name: Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Project Type: SEN Refurbishment

Contract Date: 2024

Location: Westminster Cathedral R C Primary School, London

Property Types: Education

Scope of Works

Ensigna Construction delivered a full refurbishment of Westminster Cathedral RC Primary School in Pimlico for the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. The project focused on SEN provision, including new classrooms, adapted WC facilities with hoists, sensory lighting, and soft play areas. Additional works included kitchen and welfare upgrades, a new modular building, playground enhancements, M&E upgrades, and fire safety improvements. Delivered within a condensed programme, Ensigna overcame design delays and complex user needs through strong coordination and stakeholder engagement. Completed on time and on budget, the project was praised for its quality, added value, and smooth delivery.

The Challenges

One of the key challenges was managing the differing requirements of the two end users. To address this, regular on-site meetings were held, with the Client Administrator present to clarify expectations and align needs. Another challenge arose from working with incumbent contractors, who were sometimes slow to react and requested additional payments. Group meetings were organised to streamline coordination and ensure progress.

Results

Ensigna Construction provided significant added value throughout the project. Through efficient procurement, cost savings were achieved, allowing for upgrades to higher-quality materials. Surplus resources, such as classroom furniture and lockers, were recycled or repurposed. Demonstrations on new equipment were provided to staff to enhance their understanding of the systems. Time and cost savings were further achieved by sharing site resources, such as scaffolding and welfare facilities, across various work elements.

Performance Summary

Timely Delivery with Quality Execution

The project was completed on schedule and within budget, overcoming initial design delays through effective planning and performance monitoring.

Added Value Through Efficiency and Sustainability

Ensigna achieved cost savings via efficient procurement, enabling material upgrades, while also repurposing surplus resources to enhance sustainability.

Effective Stakeholder Coordination

Regular meetings and strategic planning addressed differing end-user needs and coordination with incumbent contractors, ensuring smooth project progress.

Client Testimonial

Westminster Cathedral RC Primary School

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Ensigna Construction demonstrated exceptional professionalism and efficiency throughout the project at Westminster Cathedral R C Primary School. Despite tight deadlines and complex requirements, they delivered high-quality work on time and within budget. Their proactive approach, attention to detail, and ability to overcome challenges made them a reliable partner. We were particularly impressed by their commitment to added value and ensuring the needs of all stakeholders were met. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.