The Objective
Southampton City Council were in need of a contractor to provide teaching spaces for 120 children at Sholing Junior School by means of a two-storey extension. The project would involve building four additional classrooms, toilets and learning support rooms.
The Solution
Mountjoy began work on the extension in February with a tight programme to deliver the works in time for the new school year in September. The works area was securely kept separate from school pupils, teachers and visitors to prevent danger and noise.
The extension was a steel frame construction with brick profile with the associated roofing, screeding, curtain walling, internal walls, fire stopping, drainage and plumbing, carpentry and mechanical and electrical works. A new bicycle shelter was installed and the external area landscaped.
The site was registered under the Considerate Constructor’s Scheme and received some high scoring and feedback. The report stated that the “site is of an exceptionally high standard and the contractor’s efforts to interact with the school community and the broader community in the vicinity of the development are to be commended”.
The school’s influence on the project was also shown in the memorial plaque that was designed by them and installed as part of the extension. The new building was dedicated to Wing Commander James Nicolson VC who was awarded the Victoria Cross for an action over Southampton. The memorial commemorates the Wing Commander and all of the brave pilots who defended the City of Southampton during the Battle of Britain.
There was a formal ceremony for the opening of the new school building and unveiling of the plaque which was attended by the Mayor of Southampton as well as the RAF association and relatives of James Nicolson.