Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council's Children and Young persons Directorate instructed NPS Stockport to provide an administrative link block as the “hub” to the proposed amalgamated Woodley Infant and Junior Schools.

This was on the same site, in tandem with the refurbishment of areas of the school to BB99. NPS appointed McGoff and Byrne as lead supplier who mobilised the Integrated Supply Team (IST), consisting of Ansell and Bailey lead consultant and a robust supply chain of specialist consultants and suppliers to deliver the project.

The new link had to be designed and constructed to accommodate a significant 3m divergence in level between the buildings. The link would facilitate the amalgamation of the schools and allow uninhibited flow of staff and pupils. The Integrated Supply Team arrived at a well considered and efficient design solution which complied with the clients brief and indeed the aspirations of the complex mix of associated stakeholders.

A major logistical challenge was that all activities were undertaken within two distinct live educational environments where mitigating disruption and safe guarding the occupants was paramount. Focus Group meetings were facilitated by McGoff and Byrne with the various stakeholders of both schools to establish a shared perspective and manage expectations whilst work progressed.

This sensitive project was successfully and safely completed to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Since completion the amalgamation has had a positive impact on the pupil's results and indeed benefitted the local community.