Projects Educational

Tollgate Primary School

Part of the Unity Schools Partnership, Tollgate Primary School needed to expand to accommodate two additional year groups. Split into two phases, the project comprised internal remodelling of the existing main school building and a new extension at the rear of the site followed by the construction of a new single-storey, flat-roof, standalone classroom block, associated external works including resurfacing and hard and soft play areas.

The existing power supply was also upgraded with UK Power Networks and works were carried out during term-time and the school holidays, working around staff, pupils and holiday clubs. All staff and sub-contractors working on site were required to hold Enhanced DBS certificates.

Location: Bury St Edmunds
Contract Value: £1,300,000
Sector: Education
Client: Unity Schools Partnership
Quantity Surveyor/Architect: PCH Associates
Commenced: July 2022
Completed: September 2023
Procurement Method: Two-stage tender, specification & drawings

“We are really pleased with our new classrooms. Chris communicated with us throughout the project and was always willing to consider the day-to-day running of the school. Chris always had time to talk to the children about what was going on and answering their questions’”

Hannah Brookman, Tollgate Primary School

Challenges and Constraints

Working safely and efficiently within a live education environment without causing disruption to the school.
Discovery of unforeseen asbestos.
Upgrading the incoming power supply to a live school without loss of service.
Volume of work required to enable the school to open after the Summer holidays.

Construction Processes and Methods

Phase 1: Refurbishment works
Phase 2: Standalone classroom block of traditional masonry
construction with a flat roof.

Environmental

Solar/PV panels were fitted to the roof of the new
extension along with an air source heat pump

Social Value

Gipping purchased hi-vis vests for the school and
pupils so they could walk to the bus stop safely.
Our site Manager actively engaged with the teachers
and pupils to inform them of progress

Recent Projects

What Our Clients Say

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“Peter was outstanding when it came to communications and implementing changes and fixes that were required by the building work supplier. Very happy to recommend Gipping's services to others.”

Oliver Squirrell, Old Jet Airspace Programme
“I just wanted to thank you again for pretty much everything! I absolutely love our home and it was totally worth the wait. There isn’t a single thing I’d change, it really is perfect. The landscapers have been now too and it’s totally transformed the outside space, it just looks incredible. I feel super lucky to live here, every time I pull up back home I smile and feel so grateful and lucky. All the workmen have been incredibly lovely and gone above and beyond too, you have such a great team of people, they are extremely lovely and that makes a huge difference. I wish you well in all that you do creating beautiful homes for people. Thank you so so much.”

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
“It was a pleasure working with Gipping and we are very happy with our new home. Shaun Whiting was an exceptional Site Manager and remained professional, approachable and friendly throughout the entire build. The site was always tidy, well-managed and busy. We felt as if the entire Gipping team took our project seriously and truly cared about getting the build right. I would highly recommend you to anyone who is considering building a home.”

Elizabeth Goodrich, Amento