WHITGIFT SCHOOL CAR PARK CONSTRUCTION
We were tasked with the design & build of a new car park within the school grounds to accommodate 160 No. Standard Spaces, 10 No. EV Charging Bays, 7 No. DDA Spaces, 10 No. Mini Bus Bays and 9 No. Coach Bays. The build also incorporated New Lighting layout, Entrance Cabin & Wall Re-construction and utilisation of SUDS Drainage
In early 2023, we were appointed as the Principal Contractor for the Design & Build of a new car park at the prestigious Whitgift School in Croydon. The £2 million project delivered in collaboration with Gardiner & Theobald (Employers Agent), Pringle Sharpe Sharratt (Architect) and Price & Myers (Civil Engineer) was completed over a 20-week construction period to ensure readiness for the 2023/2024 academic year.
Project Scope & Key Features
The project involved transforming a temporary car park into a permanent, future-proofed parking facility within the school grounds providing:
160 Standard Parking Spaces
10 EV Charging Bays
7 DDA-Compliant Accessible Spaces
10 Mini Bus Bays
9 Coach Bays
New Lighting Layout
Reconstruction of Entrance Cabin & Walls
Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) Implementation
Challenges & Solutions
Planning & Design Coordination
Minor delays were encountered due to pending planning approvals, design modifications and client-led scope changes. To mitigate these we focused on early release of design elements allowing for timely procurement of materials and enabling an efficient start on-site.
Additionally ongoing engagement with the Client & Design Team ensured the successful resolution of environmental, drainage, lighting and aesthetic planning constraints.
Working in a Live School Environment
With Whitgift School remaining fully operational we implemented strict site management protocols to ensure safe, unhindered access for students, staff and visitors. Our approach included:
Phased construction to allow for the temporary relocation of parking areas
Clearly defined pedestrian routes to maintain safety and security
Coordination with school event schedules to minimise disruption
Carefully planned delivery routes to keep construction traffic away from key school areas
Sustainability & Future-Proofing
EV Charging Infrastructure
A fully integrated EV charging system was designed and installed with over 3km of ducting incorporated to future-proof the facility for additional charging capacity as demand grows. Close collaboration with the end user ensured seamless operation and management of the system.
Lighting Design & Environmental Considerations
The lighting design was developed with consideration for:
Ancient woodland and bat populations, workshops with ecologists ensured compliance with environmental constraintsNearby residential properties, reducing light pollution and preserving the surrounding environment
Drainage & Ground Strength Optimisation
Site porosity testing identified that the underlying chalk strata could be leveraged for drainage reducing the required SUDS volume by 50% and generating significant cost savings.
Subgrade strength testing allowed for a more efficient design, minimising material import/export and improving sustainability.
Security & Access Enhancements
To align with Whitgift School’s security protocols we installed new ANPR systems, barriers and access control hardware.
Successful Completion
Despite planning constraints and site complexities the project was delivered on time in July 2023, ensuring the new facility was fully operational for the start of the academic year. Through careful planning, collaboration and sustainable design choices, we provided Whitgift School with a modern, efficient and environmentally responsible car park solution.
Project Details
Location
Croydon, London
Sector
Car Park
Client
Whitgift School
Products Used
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