Efficient, safe delivery on a live campus.
Ensigna Construction delivered a £5.7 million project for London South East Colleges, funded by the Department for Education. The scheme included construction of two new 400m² workshops (Ribbon 1 & Ribbon 2) for carpentry and bricklaying, a full refurbishment of the existing STEM block, and a 3,500m² Sika liquid-applied roof upgrade. Works included M&E upgrades, specialist ventilation, new teaching pods, and secure external storage areas. Constructed on piled rafts in a live campus environment, the project also introduced new drainage, power, and access systems. Delivered on time and budget, the facility now supports modern training in construction, plumbing, electrical, and green technologies.
The Challenges
The construction of the new STEM facility faced significant challenges, primarily due to inaccuracies in the original topographical survey and the complexities of operating on a live college campus. Ensigna Construction responded by commissioning a new, accurate survey and collaborating closely with design and engineering teams to revise drainage and substructure plans, maintaining project momentum. On-site logistics were managed through the use of banksmen, careful scheduling of over 250 material removal lorries, and strict segregation measures to ensure safety and minimise disruption to campus activities. These proactive strategies allowed the project to progress smoothly despite initial setbacks.
Results
The new STEM facility’s construction encountered major hurdles, including inaccurate initial topographical data and the logistical difficulties of working within a live college environment. Ensigna Construction swiftly addressed these issues by commissioning a new survey, revising designs in collaboration with key stakeholders, and implementing strict on-site safety and traffic management protocols. These measures ensured the project’s continued progress while minimising disruption and maintaining safety across the campus.
Contact
Address
Head Office
37-39b Freelands Road,
Bromley,
Kent,
BR1 3HZ
1st floor,
157 High Street,
Ongar,
CM5 9JD
Unit 1B, Cliffe Yard,
Anthonys Way,
Medway City Estate,
Rochester, Kent,
ME2 4DY
