Restoration & refurbishment of heritage education facility
Restoring and Refurbishing Chilton Bridge School
Chilton Bridge School, a former stately home, WWII operational base and residential school set within substantial grounds, required extensive refurbishment to meet modern educational standards and reopen as a specialist facility for students with social, emotional, mental health (SEMH) and associated conditions.
The site comprises several buildings of varying ages and construction types, including a Grade II listed main house and stable block, creating a complex refurbishment and restoration project that required careful planning and delivery.
the delivery of Phases 1a & 1b
The initial phases focused on modernising the buildings’ decorative and functional elements while ensuring full compliance with current regulations and educational facility requirements. Key works included:
- Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) and associated remedial works to achieve compliance with current regulations.
- Installation of window restrictors and safety lamination (shatter protection) to all glazing.
- Compliance upgrades to toilet and welfare facilities.
- Central heating improvements and legionella protection measures.
- Boxing in of exposed pipework.
Across the three main buildings undergoing refurbishment during Phase 1, several new kitchenettes were installed alongside extensive mechanical and electrical (M&E) upgrades. These included emergency lighting installations to meet regulatory requirements, additional power supplies and spurs to support the later installation of access control systems.
A key client requirement was to create a comfortable and welcoming “home-from-home” environment that avoided a traditional institutional or educational appearance.
Utilising contractors based close to the site proved instrumental in maintaining programme performance, controlling costs and delivering local economic benefits. TCi’s rigorous contractor onboarding procedures and supply chain management ensured the successful delivery of scaffolding, roofing, M&E services, decorations, fencing, landscaping and temporary road works.
As inspections progressed, the project continued to evolve, generating additional requirements including enhanced protection measures for external gas pipework. TCi’s site team remained responsive and adaptable throughout, ensuring new elements were incorporated efficiently while maintaining programme objectives.
completion and handover
Meeting health, safety and welfare requirements in accordance with Ofsted expectations within a building of this age presented numerous challenges. Working closely with the client, TCi developed practical solutions, including the refurbishment of existing doors and frames where possible, reducing the need for complete replacement while maintaining compliance.
The installation of safety film to glazing and window restrictors helped ensure the buildings were safe and suitable for occupation.
Throughout the programme, the site team responded proactively to additional client requests focused on making good works and additional protective measures, including containment cages for air conditioning units, pipework and external taps.
A boiler replacement was introduced during the live project programme. To minimise disruption and reduce risks to pupils and staff, the works were carefully scheduled outside term time and successfully integrated into the construction programme.
Close coordination with client-appointed contractors was maintained throughout to ensure the successful handover of specialist packages, including access control systems and soft furnishings.
The former Stables, Riverside and Gym buildings were successfully handed over for occupation in September 2022, complete with commissioned services and full certification to support accommodation and educational operations for the start of the academic year.
THE DELIVERY OF PHASE 2
THE MAIN HOUSE
TCi carried out sympathetic repairs and restoration works to the Grade II listed main house, remaining responsive to evolving architectural requirements and new information uncovered as works progressed and more of the historic structure was revealed.
Stable Boundary Wall
Remedial repairs to the listed stable boundary wall were carefully sequenced during school holiday periods.
The programme incorporated extended procurement periods for bespoke coping stones, which were carved from the original quarry source to maintain authenticity and compliance with listed building requirements.
Chimney Restoration
Due to their age and condition, the chimneys required extensive restoration using the original White Lias stone, a rare limestone formed over 205 million years ago. Sourcing the specialist material in the required quantities was challenging, but it was successfully procured from local White Lias specialists, AR Purnell Ltd Quarry, ensuring an authentic restoration that met conservation requirements.
roof restoration
Following the design and installation of a full scaffolding envelope surrounding the entire Grade II listed main house, detailed surveys were undertaken to assess the building’s 14 roof sections, 10 chimneys and bespoke dormer windows covered under the listed status.
Throughout the works, the project team worked in accordance with guidance from the conservation officer and remained sensitive to the building’s historic features. This included specialist restoration of leadwork together with handcrafted timber and stone finials produced by specialist stonemasons and carpenters. All refurbishment works were completed in accordance with current building regulations.
our impact before & after
Science Block Refurbishment
To support the school’s operational requirements, the refurbishment of the science block was prioritised as a critical programme activity. The layout and sequencing of works were carefully planned to ensure the facility was ready for occupation by the end of the school holiday period.
Phase 2 was delivered within a live educational environment with students remaining on site. To accommodate this, Ofsted standards were maintained throughout the project, and all TCi employees and operatives underwent DBS checks, enabling works to proceed safely and efficiently.
The science block works included:
- Decommissioning and recommissioning of water, gas and electrical services.
- Removal of existing equipment.
- Making good works to create repurposed classroom space.
Internal Renovations & Restoration
Further works across the site included extensive M&E upgrades, internal redecoration, refurbishment of listed Crittall windows and original doors, and the construction of a new commercial kitchen and dining facility.
Specialist restoration works were undertaken to timber flooring, the Jacobean staircase and original panelling. Essential repairs were completed using traditional construction methods and materials appropriate to the Grade II listed building.
Value Engineering & Collaboration
At every stage, TCi actively sought opportunities to improve value and outcomes for the client. In an increasingly challenging economic climate, this included mitigating rising construction costs associated with specialist restoration elements such as the chimney works.
Through detailed negotiation and analysis of component materials, construction processes and supply chain requirements, TCi secured favourable rates that enabled project budgets to be maintained without compromising quality or compliance.
Attention to detail was critical throughout the project to identify potential clashes, maintain programme certainty and ensure compliance with the listed building consent requirements.
The team remained highly responsive to the wider needs of the school, adapting quickly as new priorities emerged and ensuring minimal disruption to staff, pupils and school operations.
Extensive consultation and negotiation with all relevant stakeholders ensured that appropriate materials, conservation techniques and restoration methods were used throughout, maintaining compliance with listed building requirements while preserving the authenticity and historic significance of the site.
CONTACT THE TEAM TODAY
TCi Construction Works provides construction, refurbishment, fit-out and infrastructure services throughout the UK. Combining technical expertise with a collaborative approach, we deliver high-quality projects that meet our clients’ objectives from concept through to completion.
Our specialist team works with you to design and install a high-quality, professional environment, ready for occupation.
