Cawarden demolishes the former Abbotsfield and Swakeleys Schools in Hillingdon, London, to allow a new school campus to be constructed in its place.

Abbotsfield and Swakeleys Schools comprised of fourteen 1 to 2-storey blocks dating from the 1950s to 2005. The majority of the blocks were in a poor condition and the ‘sprawling’ arrangement of the blocks was generally unsuitable for the buildings’ function. The school was identified as a contender for redevelopment as part of the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ national initiative.

Working as a specialist sub-contractor on behalf of our client, Bowmer & Kirkland, Cawarden was required to demolish the two existing schools to facilitate redevelopment of the site to provide a new school campus.

Following large-scale asbestos removal works and soft strip of the building’s interior, Cawarden proceeded with the demolition works. The building was constructed with a mix of materials including concrete, brick, steel and pre-fab. Using controlled mechanical techniques, the building was demolished and all slabs, foundations and hardstandings across the site were raised.

On-site crushing operations minimised vehicle movements and left the client with over 10,000m³ of clean certified 6f2 to reuse into the new development.

Temporary school facilities were located in the centre of the site to enable the schools to remain operational throughout the works. All key processes and procedures, including a detailed Health & Safety plan and noise and dust monitoring, ensured no impact on the quality of teaching and the students’ learning.

Cawarden is pleased to have helped pave the way for an important national initiative which seeks to support and maintain high-quality educational opportunities and life choices for children.