Case Study — Education Specialist Autism School, Norwich
Quantity Surveyor for a £6.5m purpose-built specialist school for up to 100 autistic pupils aged 4 to 19 in Norwich, from RIBA Stage 0 to handover.
The challenge
A school designed around its pupils
An academy trust needed a new, purpose-built school on an urban site in Norwich for up to 100 pupils aged 4 to 19 with a diagnosis of autism, each with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Every detail had to support the pupils’ learning: a linear layout arranged by age group to ease transitions between key stages, specialist teaching areas, carefully chosen lighting and colours, and tight control of noise from plant and from outside, to meet the acoustic standards for pupils with special hearing and communication needs.
Delivered by Ollie Thompson MRICS in a previous role at Mace.
Project facts
At a glance
A purpose-built specialist school on a JCT Design and Build contract with amendments, from RIBA Stage 0 to handover.
Client
Academy trust
Location
Norwich, Norfolk
Value
£6.5m
Our role
Quantity Surveyor
School
Specialist school for up to 100 autistic pupils aged 4–19
Design
Linear layout by age group, specialist teaching areas and calm, flexible spaces
RIBA stages
0–6, from inception to handover
Contractor
Kier
Contract
JCT Design and Build with amendments
Our approach
Cost management for a specialist school
Cost Planning
Involved from the outset, with cost plans reflecting the specialist requirements of an autism school, from acoustic performance to lighting and finishes.
Value for Money
Design choices were tested for cost so the budget went where it mattered most to pupils.
Procurement
Commercial input to the tender, the contractor’s appointment and the amendments to the JCT Design and Build contract.
Valuations
Monthly valuations and cost reports gave the client a clear view of the forecast final cost.
Change Control
Changes were assessed for cost before being instructed, protecting the budget.
Final Account
The school was handed over and the final account agreed.
The outcome
A purpose-built school for autistic pupils
Specialist school
A new purpose-built school for an academy trust in Norwich.
Pupils
Places for autistic pupils aged 4 to 19.
Age range
A linear layout that helps pupils move between key stages.
Images: Sotham Engineering. See our Cost & Commercial Management service, or view all projects.
Start a Project
Tell us
about your scheme.
We’ll bring the programme, the governance and the certainty. Get in touch to discuss your project.