The project
A new single-storey extension and the refurbishment of around 140 m² of existing accommodation at Thameside Primary Academy, Manor Road, Grays, to create the Stepping Stones alternative-provision unit for pupils with higher needs.
We designed the scheme, secured planning permission (the site sits in Flood Zone 3, so the application carried a flood risk statement agreed with the Environment Agency) and submitted the Full Plans building regulations application to Thurrock Council.
Everything in the building has been specified to be durable, robust and tamper-resistant: controlled doors with maglocks and push-to-exit, reduced-height windows with laminated glazing, robust wall linings, impact-resistant sanitaryware, secure courtyard glazing and an access-control, intruder-alarm and CCTV strategy set out on its own security drawing. Where a general standard and the higher-needs requirement differ, the higher-needs requirement wins.
Alderton prepared the full tender package – tender documentation, schedule of works, materials and workmanship specification, room data sheets, contract preliminaries and pre-construction information – with a sixteen-sheet drawing set, and will administer the JCT Intermediate contract and act as Principal Designer through the eighteen-week build.
Outcome
Tendered in autumn 2026 for a start on site in January 2027, with the school operating normally throughout the works and the unit due to open for the summer term 2027.
