Transforming Education: Demolition Expertise at West Coventry Academy.

In collaboration with the main contractor, Bowmer & Kirkland, Cawarden brought its wealth of experience in the education sector to the forefront in the revitalisation of West Coventry Academy. Tasked with the demolition of disused school buildings, our team played a pivotal role in clearing the path for the construction of a new state-of-the-art educational facility.

Over 18 weeks, our meticulous approach saw the phased demolition of nine one and two-storey buildings, along with a four-storey block. Each phase of the demolition was carefully orchestrated, allowing for the seamless levelling of the site and the creation of space for new school facilities.

Our journey commenced with the establishment of a secure site perimeter, complete with internal Heras fence zones to demarcate work areas. Prioritising safety and efficiency, we collaborated closely with the client to devise a strategic transport route, minimising disruptions during critical periods and ensuring the safe passage of pedestrians.

Pre-demolition asbestos surveys were conducted in a phased approach, enabling us to initiate early asbestos removal and soft strip activities. This strategic approach not only accelerated the project timeline but also minimised disruptions for the client.

The demolition process commenced with a comprehensive building strip out, stripping the structures down to their bare shells in readiness for structural demolition. Simultaneously, we meticulously executed asbestos removal operations, adhering rigorously to stringent safety protocols.

As mechanical demolition commenced, safety remained paramount. Our dedicated Banksmen, strategically positioned with two-way radios, maintained constant communication with machine operators and site managers, facilitating a seamless workflow while safeguarding all stakeholders.

Coordination with the client ensured that demolition works near school buildings and access roads were carried out at times with minimal interface with the school.

To minimise environmental impact, waste segregation was rigorous, with materials sorted for recycling, recovery, or reuse. Through company best practices such as on-site crushing, we significantly reduced landfill waste while repurposing materials for backfilling and construction.

During the demolition and slab/foundation removal process, we crushed all concrete, brick, and block materials using our mobile crushing unit. After crushing, we inspected and tested the crushed material to ensure it met the contractual requirements for use as an ‘approved’ engineered fill. This material was then used to backfill voids, ducts, and the swimming pool area.

We took a proactive approach towards environmental stewardship by implementing measures to mitigate noise and dust. We remained steadfast in our commitment to preserving the surroundings and ensuring minimal disruption to the live school community, from baseline assessments to ongoing monitoring. To prevent dust release at the source, we put in place a highly effective dust suppression system.

The successful completion of the project stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication and expertise in our field. With hundreds of modern educational facilities across the UK bearing our mark, we take pride in our role as pioneers in shaping the future of learning environments.

At Cawarden, we don’t just demolish buildings; we pave the way for transformative educational projects, one project at a time!