The Project
Lime Tree Primary Academy underwent a £2.6 million redevelopment in Bedfordshire to construct a new four-classroom block. As part of a government initiative to improve schools under special measures, RAM was engaged by the Academy Trust to assess site suitability, conduct condition surveys, and negotiate redevelopment funding with the Department for Education (DfE) through the SSICB (Strategic School Improvement Fund). Once funding was secured, RAM managed the full design package, working closely with the Trust before issuing documents for tender.
During the design phase, RAM developed all architectural drawings, including drainage, asbestos, and planning surveys. The existing school building was reconfigured to maximise space, with feasibility options explored to align with the budget while ensuring compliance with DfE standards.
The Challenges
The project faced multiple logistical and operational challenges due to the school remaining fully functional throughout the construction period, including during holiday clubs. This required meticulous coordination to minimise disruption and ensure safety.
Demolition and asbestos removal had to be executed safely without impacting daily school operations. Works affecting critical areas required scheduling outside of school hours, and alternative circulation routes were necessary due to limited site space and high construction activity.
Noise posed another significant concern. Excessive noise could lead to complaints, potentially halting work and increasing costs. Managing this required close stakeholder communication and proactive mitigation strategies.
Timelines and site logistics were also constrained by evolving requirements and limited available space. Regular meetings were essential to coordinate demolition, deliveries, and construction schedules efficiently.
One of the most critical challenges was the absence of additional space to temporarily relocate pupils. The demolition of two existing classrooms to make way for the new building further reduced the school’s capacity. This created pressure to rebuild classrooms swiftly within a fixed six-week window.
The Solution
To minimise disruption, RAM coordinated closely with the school, Academy Trust, and Principal Contractor to plan daily and weekly schedules. Key construction and demolition work affecting critical areas, were strategically scheduled outside school hours, and alternative routes through the site were provided for safe access. Assemblies were held to inform students and staff about planned changes and maintain engagement.
To address noise concerns, trial zones were established to assess and manage expected sound levels. Regular updates were issued to stakeholders, ensuring transparency around potential disruptions.
RAM also produced architectural drawings, feasibility studies, and site surveys to optimise space usage within the constraints of the existing layout while aligning with Department for Education (DfE) standards.
To address pupil relocation, a structured demolition and rebuild programme was executed to deliver two new classrooms within the six-week window. In parallel, the existing school house was temporarily converted into learning spaces, ensuring that education could continue uninterrupted throughout the construction phase.
The Results
Despite the challenges of working on a live school site, RAM successfully delivered the new four-classroom block with minimal disruption. The works included demolition, asbestos removal, toilet refurbishments, internal refurbishments, re-roofing, window replacements, a full electrical re-wire, and a fire alarm replacement.
Through meticulous planning, proactive engagement, and a well-structured programme, RAM completed the project efficiently, providing an upgraded learning environment that met DfE standards and future-proofed the school for continued use.
