Projects Educational

Maidstone School, Felixstowe

Maidstone School is a second site for the Bridge Special Educational Need and Disabilities School based in Ipswich which provides education for children aged between four and 16 with severe learning difficulties.

The school opened in September, 2024, offering 54 places for Key Stage 3 and 4 and, from 2025, sixth form students and was funded as part of Suffolk County Council’s £55million SEND Capital Programme.

The 19 week programme included internal remodelling, associated M&E, fencing and safeguarding adaptions to deliver a school fit for its purpose as a SEND provider.

Sector: Education
Location: Felixstowe, Suffolk
Client: Unity Schools Partnership
Architect: PCH Associates
Completed: September 2024

“The level of work and the speed within which it has been undertaken has been great. All the team were so friendly and patient with us, especially on move in and set up day”

Mel Scrafield, The Bridge School

Challenges and Constraints

The main challenge was access, and we took great care to ensure our neighbours, the local residents had disruption kept to a minimum.

Environmental

As responsible contractors who are ISO14001 accredited, we completed environmental risk assessments, minimised waste and any waste was disposed of using licensed companies. Waste was sorted at the collection depot. Typically, 90% of waste is recycled.

Social Value

All workforce were local and encouraged to car share or use public transport.

Recent Projects

What Our Clients Say

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Oliver Squirrell, Old Jet Airspace Programme
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Kayleigh Williams: Wix
“As a team, Gipping met every expectation throughout the project. Steve James provided the exact role and attitude required for a project of this nature. The way he managed the works on site, given the difficult “live” environment was a credit to the firm. The overall management and support for Steve from Steve Offord and Joe was also a large factor in the smooth running of the scheme. All involved should be commended and are a credit to Gipping. Thank you for your part in a very successful scheme.”

Ben Mitchell, The Design partnership: Walden Place
“Carl, and the team, were fantastic during this phase of the project. Carl kept us updated with how the work was going and always had time to check with us if he thought things would impact on the running of the school. The site was always clean and tidy. The project was delivered slightly ahead of schedule, which made the transition into the build much easier for us! Thank you!”

Hannah Brookman, Tollgate Primary School Phase I
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Elizabeth Goodrich, Amento