Energy Coast UTC Phase 2, Workington
Overview
Eric Wright Construction has completed work on the Energy Coast University Technical College (UTC) in Workington, Cumbria.
Commissioned through the Department for Education’s low value framework, the facilities include new technical and engineering workshops, meeting rooms, an SEN resource base, replacement sports pitch and a new changing pavilion.
The works also included the design and construction of a new pedestrian crossing to connect the College’s two primary sites.
We have enjoyed a long relationship with the College, having originally built the facility back in 2013, with continued investment and improvement in such an important local education establishment.
Key Challenges
There were challenges and sensitivities involved whilst working in and around a live school environment. Those affected by the works were able to continue with their day-to-day activities with minimal disruption, whilst works are carried out in line with challenging time constraints, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality, exceeding our Clients’ expectations.
There was regular community contact to keep all informed of progress and of potentially disruptive works.
Consideration was given to the busy times when students arrived and left the school as well as a nearby training centre when organising and scheduling deliveries. The proximity of occupied buildings was a key issue and close liaison and regular communication was required regarding activities and acceptable working times and practices.
The coastal site is in an exposed location where it experiences severe weather conditions such as high winds and driving rain. It required careful planning to ensure works were completed safely and on time.
Added Value
The College provides students with academic, practical and technical education and we were able to offer them the opportunity to provide design input during the client engagement stage and support them with mock interviews and other practical experiences during the course of the works.
Working closely with the College, we offered students real work experiences throughout the build process, with excellent interaction and engagement, where they were encouraged to take part and understand the process of operation of a live construction project, even witnessing some students laying the first course of bricks.