C M Oxendale Ltd was appointed to deliver the Mechanical and Electrical installation works as part of the extensive redevelopment and expansion of Colne Primet Academy. The project incorporated refurbishment works within the existing school buildings together with the construction of a new teaching block, providing modern learning facilities for pupils and staff.
The scheme involved comprehensive heating, ventilation, domestic water, electrical power, lighting, fire alarm and specialist building services installations across multiple phases, all carefully coordinated to support the academy’s ongoing operations and future educational requirements
Mechanical Services
The mechanical package included the design and installation of:
- New heating systems including radiators, TRVs, pipework and thermal insulation.
- Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) installation and associated plant equipment serving the new build.
- Domestic hot and cold water services throughout refurbishment and new-build areas.
- Water heaters, mixing valves and ancillary mechanical equipment.
- Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems.
- Extract ventilation systems and associated ductwork, grilles and louvres.
- Heating pumps, controls and BMS integration.
- Testing, commissioning, chlorination and water treatment works.
The inclusion of a Ground Source Heat Pump system demonstrated the project’s commitment to sustainable building services and reducing long-term energy consumption.
Electrical Services
C M Oxendale Ltd also delivered a comprehensive electrical design and installation package, including:
- New switchgear and sub-main distribution systems.
- Distribution boards and final circuit installations.
- Internal containment systems.
- General and emergency lighting installations.
- Small power and specialist teaching area power supplies.
- Fire alarm systems and door detent interfaces.
- Data cabling infrastructure and communications cabinets.
- Earthing and bonding installations.
- Mechanical services power and control wiring.
- Testing, commissioning and record documentation.
The electrical design was developed to support modern teaching environments while ensuring compliance with current regulations and future flexibility for the academy.
Sanitaryware & Public Health Works
The public health package included the supply and installation of:
- Staff and pupil WC facilities.
- Accessible DDA-compliant washroom facilities.
- Vanity basins and staff washroom areas.
- Cleaner’s facilities.
- Associated above-ground drainage installations.
- Specialist drainage connections serving technology and laboratory teaching spaces.
Challenges & Solutions
Working in a Live School Environment
A significant proportion of the works were undertaken within existing school buildings while maintaining safe operation of the academy.
C M Oxendale Ltd implemented:
- Careful phased programming.
- Strict segregation of work areas.
- Ongoing coordination with the main contractor and school management.
- Controlled material deliveries and logistics planning.
- Robust health and safety management procedures.
- Careful coordination of refurbishment and new-build activities.
Complex Multi-Phase Delivery
The project required simultaneous delivery of refurbishment works and new-build construction, incorporating numerous mechanical and electrical disciplines.
Close collaboration between project management, design teams and specialist contractors ensured efficient coordination and successful integration of all services installations.
Outcome & Client Benefit
- Delivery of modern, energy-efficient building services throughout the academy.
- Installation of renewable Ground Source Heat Pump technology to support sustainability objectives.
- Enhanced teaching environments through upgraded lighting, ventilation and power infrastructure.
- Improved water, heating and ventilation systems providing increased comfort and operational efficiency.
- Full integration of life safety and communication systems.
- Successful phased delivery within an operational educational setting.
The Colne Primet Academy redevelopment demonstrates C M Oxendale Ltd’s capability to successfully deliver large-scale Mechanical and Electrical packages within complex educational environments. Through effective project management, technical expertise and close stakeholder collaboration, the project provided modern, sustainable and future-ready facilities that support both the academy’s operational requirements and long-term educational ambitions.