Provided Building Surveying and Project Management services to support the conversion of existing school accommodation into a flexible community facility.
The client
Peabody Group is one of the UK’s oldest not-for-profit housing associations. They are responsible for 109,000 homes across London and the home counties, and also look after the community centres, play areas and green spaces that bring these areas to life. They aim to provide safe and comfortable homes and create vibrant communities where people can prosper.
The project
Following the closure of the Paradox Centre, several local community organisations risked losing their primary venue. Working with Peabody Group and Salisbury Manor Primary School, underutilised school accommodation was identified for conversion into a flexible community hub.
The project involved converting the existing school accommodation into a flexible community facility capable of supporting a wide range of activities, including youth programmes, wellbeing initiatives, educational sessions, faith groups and community support services. The completed space provides a sustainable long-term home for these organisations, ensuring they can continue serving the local community.
The project also addressed existing building condition issues and improved safety, compliance and functionality of the space. Works were delivered within a live school environment, requiring careful planning to minimise disruption to staff and pupils.
The project was delivered through close collaboration between the client, consultant team, partnering contractors, and specialist consultants, with a focus on providing durable, cost-effective solutions in line with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.
Our role
Faithorn Farrell Timms provided Building Surveying and Project Management services throughout the project, supporting the scheme from feasibility through to completion.
Our responsibilities included stakeholder engagement, feasibility assessments, design development and coordination, site inspections, progress monitoring, quality assurance, fire safety coordination, liaison with Building Control, snagging, completion monitoring, programme management and risk management.
We also coordinated specialist subcontractors covering fire protection, flooring, ceilings, decoration and mechanical and electrical services, ensuring the various work packages were delivered collaboratively to achieve a fully functioning community facility.
Services provided
The challenges
Following the removal of the suspended ceiling, it became apparent that the existing fire compartmentation was inadequate, presenting a significant fire safety and compliance risk that had not been identified prior to construction. This required an immediate review of the fire strategy and resulted in delays whilst a suitable solution was developed.
The issue was resolved through the appointment of specialist fire protection contractor KBH, who installed fire curtains and associated fire-stopping measures to the affected areas. The remedial works restored the required level of fire compartmentation, satisfied Building Control requirements and ensured the facility could be safely occupied by community users.
Added value
Delivered as a social value initiative, the project responded to the loss of the Paradox Centre by bringing underutilised space at Salisbury Manor Primary School back into productive use. This provided an opportunity to protect essential community provision while creating a lasting resource that benefits local residents and organisations.
The outcome
The refurbishment has created a safe, adaptable setting for community organisations to continue their work and host a range of activities. By providing a dedicated base for these groups, the facility supports social interaction, promotes community engagement and helps maintain continuity of local services.
For Peabody Group, the scheme demonstrates how existing accommodation can be repurposed to deliver wider community benefits. For the organisations using the space, it offers a stable and sustainable environment in which to develop their activities and continue supporting residents over the long term.
“From the start, FFT were incredibly easy to engage, quickly having conversations with all their relevant units and pitching in generously wherever possible. Their close coordination and commitment to high quality standards were instrumental in ensuring this project was delivered to a high level for residents we all serve in Chingford, North London.”
Corin Menuge Social Value Lead at Peabody Group