Examples of Past Projects

Education/Schools

Ysgol Santes Tydful, Merthyr Tydfil

Chessmann acted as project and cost managers, as well as CDM Coordinators, for the construction of a new £4.3 million Welsh-medium primary school for Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council.

The school, which replaced an existing one, was designed to Schools of the Future exemplar standards which promote the development of innovative learning environments in conjunction with maintaining sustainable school buildings. 

The building was designed to reduce energy consumption and minimise the use of non-renewable resources.  Features include large amounts of natural light to all classrooms, cedar cladding, grey water harvesting, ground source heat pumps and thermally efficient ventilation. 

The development included 13 classrooms, 2 halls, an IT suite, a community room, nursery and integrated library areas for infant and junior learning.  There were natural wildlife habitats on the site, which were enhanced.

Condover Hall, Shrewsbury

Chessmann were responsible for directing renovation and building work at the Grade 1 listed Elizabethan manor house and estate, which was converted into specialist education facilities for children and young adults with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.

In our role as Project Manager and Quantity Surveyors for The Priory Group, we helped transform the house and surrounding site into a residential and day school. Facilities included 110 en suite bedrooms, a sports hall, swimming pool and an equestrian centre. The school focuses on taking an active approach to teaching, concentrating on the development of physical fitness, whole body coordination and emotional stability. It also incorporates fully equipped classrooms for specialist subjects.

The Priory Group – Talocher Farm, Ledbury, Herefordshire

The project was to convert a residential building into a classroom block and staffroom for a special needs school for pupils with Emotional Behavioural Disorder (EBD).

This involved the conversion of the residential block into a Home Economics Classroom, Science Room and Art Room with Staff Room and Accessible Toilet Block attached. The school was also provided with an all weather sports play area and new incoming power supply.

Chessmann provided the design (in-house), project management, cost management and CDM co-ordination for a fast track construction programme working around an active operational school site.

Oakhurst Lodge, Ashurst, Nr Southampton

Chessmann were appointed by Cambian Education on this project which involved the refurbishment of an existing house to accommodate a nine bed residential unit catering for the education and care of young people with autism.

The unit is leading edge, and incorporates the latest techniques, including a sensory room and garden facilities, bold colours and ultra modern equipment.  This was a 22 week £1 million project.