calfordseaden are acting as client representative and contract administrator on behalf of the Trustees and Executive Committee of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha (SGSS). We are also acting as the architect on the refurbishment of Norwood Hall situated on the site of the new school, and as monitoring surveyor to the funders.

SGSS, one of the leading Sikh institutions outside of India, has been given the responsibility of constructing Khalsa Primary School in Southall, London - the borough's first voluntary aided Sikh Primary School. 

calfordseaden prepared a design and obtained planning permission for the new school, then tendered the project using a traditional form of contract. However the priced tenders returned considerably exceeded the client's budget. calfordseaden were approach to advise on the project and look at ways of procuring the school within the budget.

A detailed review of the building specifications and contract arrangements was undertaken, revealing that considerable savings could be made by value engineering the specification and switching to a 'design and build' contract. In addition to the cost and contract issues, we worked closely with the community leaders to review certain aspects of the design. The aim was to ensure the building was tailored to the needs of the Sikh community.
 

Norwood Hall, a Grade II listed building, is being refurbished to provide opportunities for community activities. These works include both essential repairs to maintain the historic fabric of the house, and the alterations needed.

The project is currently on site and is due to receive pupils in September 2010, offering a two-form Primary school with nursery for 3-11 year olds, including 420 full-time primary places and 50 full-time nursery places, with 20 per cent of total places being reserved for children of other faiths.

The vision of the school, laid out by the Trustees and Executive Committee, includes providing pupils with an unrivalled National Curriculum education within the Sikh faith and culture, to build a strong community based on Sikh ethos.

For further information contact:

Teja Biring
at our London office
T 020 7940 3200 
E tbiring@calfordseaden.co.uk