Netherall Learning Campus

North Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

Public Sector

6 weeks (each phase)

£1.7m

Project Highlights:

On-time delivery – Phases 1 and 2 were completed within the six-week holiday window, with absolute completion to the client’s satisfaction.
Efficient programme management – Off-site prefabrication, early procurement, and early stakeholder engagement streamlined delivery and reduced risks.
Strong client partnership – Close collaboration with the school and local authority ensured smooth handover and reinforced a long-standing relationship.

The Challenge:

Netherall Learning Campus in Huddersfield is a federation of four schools, educating students aged 3–19 on a shared site. The campus was undertaking a comprehensive three-year lifecycle pipe replacement scheme, requiring the installation of new heating pipework, domestic cold-water systems, and point-of-use water heaters throughout the schools.

Situ M&E was appointed as Principal Contractor to manage the full project, including pipework installation, new ceilings, electrics, and pipework boxing. Due to the scale and complexity of the works, all activity had to be completed during the six-week school holidays to avoid disruption to staff and pupils. This fast-track programme demanded precise coordination between multiple trades within a tight schedule and restricted working hours, ensuring that each school was ready for reopening on time.

The Solution:

To ensure a smooth and timely delivery, Situ M&E engaged key stakeholders early in the design process, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring all parties were aligned before work began. We took full responsibility for the project’s technical design, managing it from RIBA Stage 4 through to Stage 6, which included detailed inspections of the completed installations.

Given the tight timescales, we streamlined the programme through a combination of off-site pre-fabricated pipework and early procurement of key materials. On-site, we implemented robust protection measures to safeguard existing finishes and equipment, maintaining the integrity of the campus environment even though students and staff were not present during the works. This proactive approach allowed the project to progress efficiently while keeping the campus ready for reopening on schedule.

The Results:

Phases 1 and 2 of the project were successfully completed, with Phase 3 planned for 2026. Each phase was handed over on time, achieving absolute completion to the client’s satisfaction. Situ M&E maintained the highest standards of health and safety throughout, carrying out robust testing of all services to ensure there were no leaks or operational issues.

A thorough review of inspection and test plans was undertaken throughout construction and testing periods, ensuring full compliance and smooth operation of all systems. The campus was returned to the client in a clean, ready-to-use condition, with close collaboration with the school and local authority allowing early access for teaching staff to prepare classrooms for the start of term.

This project further strengthened our long-standing relationship with the client, continuing a track record of successfully delivering high-quality, complex projects across the campus.