When Galliford Try needed a dependable groundworks partner to deliver Phase 4 of Greenhead College’s net-zero redevelopment, they appointed Shanco. With a strong working relationship built across previous phases, Shanco was trusted to take on a complex and high-risk scope, safely delivering deep foundations and drainage within a constrained, high-footfall site.
The project involved constructing a new two-storey infill building nestled within the operational college campus. It demanded careful planning, real-time problem-solving, and a collaborative approach to ensure student safety and academic operations remained unaffected.
Building Trust in Live, Logistically Sensitive Environments.
Shanco’s experience in live, high-risk settings shaped every aspect of the programme. Working around a single access point, student movement, and strict safeguarding controls, the team phased delivery with minimal disruption. Noisy works were scheduled around exam timetables, and safety was prioritised through clearly defined working zones, daily coordination, and precise sequencing.
Our clients value us for our ability to take ownership of complex delivery, and that starts from day one. At Greenhead, we led site-specific planning early, reviewing surveys and coordinating with the design team to ensure programme feasibility and risk mitigation before breaking ground.
Adding Value Through Innovation
This phase of the programme provided the opportunity to trial GPS machine control on external works, enabling accurate cut-and-fill without over-excavation and resulting in time savings, material efficiency, and cleaner handovers, all while maintaining our focus on safe, confident delivery.
Shanco’s scope included:
- Deep foundations and reinforced concrete ground beams
- Slab construction with waterproofing and integrated retaining walls
- Foul and surface water drainage systems, with tight level tolerances
- External works executed using GPS-controlled machinery
- Provide full support on record keeping including surveys and photos to assist the Geotechnical Engineer with the topsoil remediation report
Live service avoidance was another critical success factor. With multiple underground services present (including fire hydrants, comms, and mains) early scanning and responsive adaptations were key to avoiding disruption and delays.
Results That Reinforce Confidence
Despite the pressures of the environment, the programme was delivered safely, on time, and without rework. Our work supported the on-time delivery of a new net-zero teaching facility, helping Galliford Try meet their project goals and maintain momentum across the wider college redevelopment.
Key outcomes:
- Zero health & safety incidents
- No disruption to college operations or exam periods
- Accurate delivery of critical infrastructure with no delays
- Material efficiency improvements from GPS-led excavation
- Strengthened client relationship, built on trust and proven performance
Testimonial from our client
”The Greenhead College project ran over three years and was delivered in four phases on a complex live college environment. Shanco were our Groundworks partner, delivering the substructure, externals and hard landscaping. What stood out most was the working relationship; their team are easy to deal with, listen to feedback and respond accordingly. They collaborate well, care about the job, and their professionalism and quality of workmanship were clear throughout. I would have no hesitation in recommending them”. – Benjamin Smith, Site Engineer, Galliford Try
A Partner You Can Rely On
Need a partner who thrives on complex delivery? Get in touch with us to speak to an expert like Leanne today.
