When Kingsdale Foundation School in South London faced urgent pressure to expand teaching space ahead of the new academic year, a new modular classroom block was commissioned. But just weeks before the scheduled unit delivery, the client’s original groundworks subcontractor withdrew, placing the entire programme at risk.
Brought in at short notice, Shanco mobilised within just seven days to deliver the full enabling and groundworks package. While the project clearly demonstrated our ability to respond quickly under pressure, it also proved our capability to operate professionally within a live school environment, with zero disruption to day-to-day operations.
A Rapid Response to a Complex Groundworks Problem
The project brief was simple in theory but highly complex in execution. With the modular delivery date fixed and immovable, the pressure was on to complete all preparatory works on time, including the installation of foul and surface water drainage, pad foundations, and a surface water attenuation tank. The school remained fully operational throughout, meaning all works had to be delivered safely, discreetly, and in line with strict safeguarding protocols.
From our first contact with the client on a Friday, our planning and delivery teams worked over the weekend to put a strategy in place. A face-to-face meeting was held that Monday to review site constraints and identify critical risks, including buried services and environmental features such as tree root protection zones. A fully costed proposal was turned around by Wednesday, and our team was on site by the following Monday, ready to deliver.
Delivery in a Live, Logistically Restricted Environment
Working on a live school site in central South London presented a number of logistical challenges. Strict access restrictions meant no deliveries could take place during school drop-off and pick-up times, and the school kitchen had scheduled deliveries that passed through the site each day.
To manage this, we developed a tightly controlled delivery plan in collaboration with the school and the client. Over 30 separate vehicle movements (including muck-away wagons, concrete deliveries, and transport of Shanco machinery) were coordinated to avoid disruption. Accommodation and transport were arranged for our site teams to ensure consistency of labour, allowing us to maintain programme momentum.
At the same time, a full-service investigation was carried out to protect vital infrastructure, including fire hydrants, electrical mains, and CCTV cabling. These findings informed real-time design adaptations in coordination with the client’s design team.
Execution with Care, Quality and Control
Once on site, the team progressed quickly through the planned sequence of works. Following initial site preparation, we installed foul and surface water drainage systems, constructed the attenuation tank, and delivered all foundations and hard landscaping finishes to receive the modular units.
Every element was carried out with care and professionalism. Tree root protection zones were observed and fenced off in line with BS5837:2012, and the team remained fully compliant with school safeguarding procedures at all times. Despite working through challenging weather conditions and managing high levels of activity within a tight footprint, no incidents or complaints were reported over the six-week programme.
The Outcome: On Time, On Spec, On Form
The project was a success on every front. Shanco delivered the full scope of works to the required specification, within the allotted six-week period, and with zero disruption to the school’s day-to-day activity. More importantly, we ensured the modular units could be delivered and installed on time – protecting the client’s wider programme and reputation.
“This project is a perfect example of what Shanco is built for: fast response, clear thinking under pressure, and delivering high-quality work regardless of location or complexity. The Kingsdale School scheme was turned around in record time, from initial contact to full mobilisation within seven days, all while operating in a sensitive, live school environment. Everyone played their part in ensuring the client’s programme stayed on track.”
— Stephen Richardson, Commercial Director, Shanco
Need a Groundworks Partner Who Can Deliver Under Pressure?
If you’re planning modular or infrastructure works and need a partner you can rely on, speak to the team at Shanco. We combine speed, certainty and care to deliver complex groundworks with confidence, even under tight timeframes.
📩 Contact us today to speak to an expert like Leanne.
