The Olympus Building

Delivered through the SCAPE Construction framework, the project involved a phased programme designed to expand capacity while maintaining full school operations throughout. Central to this approach was the early installation of a two-storey Temporary Learning Village, providing four fully equipped classrooms for up to 120 students. Installed during the summer half term, the works were carefully coordinated within a constrained site, with additional complexities posed by a nearby live railway line requiring detailed logistics crane planning.

Carefully sequenced around the school calendar, phase one focused on enabling and refurbishment works, including the extension of the dance studio and reconfiguration of changing facilities, to better serve both pupils, but also the wider community, which makes extensive use of the school’s sporting facilities in the evenings. This was complemented by the modernisation and decarbonisation of the school’s kitchen, delivered in time for the start of term.

This phase was followed by the construction of the new Olympus Building — a 1,000 sqm two-storey teaching block providing 10 classrooms, staff facilities and dedicated welfare spaces. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing campus, the scheme also included car park enhancements, delivering ten additional spaces, including two electric vehicle (EV) charging points.

Delivering on a live school site presented several challenges, including complex logistics, multiple access points, and the need to manage a segregated site compound located some distance from the main works area. Movement across the site was carefully controlled, supported by dedicated gate supervision and agreed crossing points to ensure the safe separation of construction activity and student movement. These constraints were further compounded by an Environment Agency-controlled culvert running beneath the site, requiring careful coordination and approvals. Through robust planning and close collaboration with stakeholders, the project was delivered safely and efficiently throughout, achieving a 100% CLOCS and 45/45 Considerate Constructors Scheme scores.

Working collaboratively with NVB Architects, consultants and subcontractors, the project also incorporated air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and energy-efficient systems to reduce operational carbon, alongside a high-performing building fabric that significantly exceeded airtightness targets. Digital tools, including Autodesk Construction Cloud and Oculo 360, were also used to enhance design coordination, enabling detailed programme planning and clash detection to be resolved prior to construction.

Throughout the project, the team achieved a reduction of 180 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) through initiatives including the use of electric arc furnace steel, timber waste recycling with Community Wood, and the reuse of concrete hoarding blocks from another Morgan Sindall scheme. This saving – measured using CarboniCa, an intelligent carbon reduction tool – is equivalent to heating 55 UK homes for a year.

Morgan Sindall also piloted one of the construction industry’s first zero-waste plasterboard programmes in partnership with British Gypsum. As part of this trial, plasterboard was pre-cut off-site, monitored and weighed to minimise waste and improve efficiency.

Close collaboration with the school was central to delivery. Regular meetings, clear communication and a consistent site team ensured strong alignment throughout, enabling early handover and providing valuable early access for operational preparation. This ensured a smooth transition into occupation, with handover carefully aligned to the school calendar, allowing the school to prepare the building for pupils returning after the half-term break.

From the outset, the project focused on creating lasting value for the local community, generating more than £5.1 million in social value through initiatives that supported education, skills development and local economic growth.

A strong focus was placed on education and skills, with 75 school engagement hours providing students with meaningful insight into careers in construction. This included site visits, careers events at Abbeywood Community School and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, alongside hands-on workshops, giving students direct exposure to a live construction environment. In particular, engineering students at Abbeywood were invited to visit the project in detail, learning about environmental sustainability in construction and to see technologies such as solar panels and low-carbon heat pump systems first-hand.

In addition, 36 weeks of work placements were delivered, providing tailored opportunities for students to build practical skills and confidence, from multi-disciplinary project experience through to trade-specific placements with supply chain partners.

The project also delivered wider community and environmental impact through a range of targeted initiatives. The team supported local causes through a foodbank donation drive and refurbishment works at Pretoria Road Allotments, enhancing a shared space used for community activities and school engagement. In parallel, partnerships with organisations such as Bristol Community Wood Recycling and the New Leaf Project helped divert waste, support local employment opportunities and contribute to the creation of new green spaces.

A strong commitment to the local economy further amplified this impact, with 73% of project spend and 61% of labour sourced within 20 miles. 99% of delivery was also with through SMEs, with 97% of the supply chain was paid within 15 days, supporting cash flow for local businesses and strengthening economic resilience.