The project
The refurbishment and conversion of the former Little Pirates Nursery on North View Avenue, Tilbury, into a social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) autism base for Thurrock Council, together with repairs to the building fabric.
The building had stood empty and had been broken into and vandalised more than once, so the brief covered far more than a fit-out. Our scope ran from the initial survey and design through building regulations, tender and contract administration to completion. The works included roof and rainwater repairs, drainage, new internal walls and ceilings, a teaching kitchen, a full M&E renewal with a new three-phase supply, PIR-controlled and emergency lighting, and a specialist security package – access control on every controlled door, intercoms, CCTV and an intruder alarm – designed around the needs of the pupils who would use the building.
Outside, the soft-play surfacing was replaced with level-access safety surfacing, the front block paving relaid, fencing repaired and a new timber canopy added.
We acted as Principal Designer under CDM 2015 as well as Contract Administrator, managing the variations that an old and damaged building inevitably throws up and keeping the final account within the contract sum.
Outcome
Completed in summer 2025, ready for the start of the autumn term, with the final account settled at the original contract sum of £947,000.
