Cottam Primary School – Phase 1 – 3
Project Scope
Krol Corlett have completed 3 phases alongside Lancashire County Council to create a vibrant setting at Cottam Primary School, where future generations in Preston’s local community will thrive.
The works where also key in helping to alleviate the pressure of a growing number of pupils and support future demand in the area.
The project comprised a comprehensive programme of new build and refurbishment works
This included the construction of a new nursery building, a power upgrade to support the expanded facilities, a new car park, and a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), alongside a new brick-built sports store.
Internal Works
Works included the installation of new flooring and coving, Whitroc wall finishes, a new suspended ceiling grid, and upgraded mechanical and electrical services throughout.
The kitchen was also equipped with new industrial cookers, ovens, dishwashers, refrigeration units, sinks with associated water heaters, and a new main extractor system serving the cooking areas.
As part of the county council’s wider decarbonisation strategy, the refurbished kitchens replace the previous gas-fired operation with a fully electric solution.
To support this transition, Krol Corlett delivered a new mechanical and electrical infrastructure, including the provision of a new electricity supply to the school, ensuring the facility is fit for the future and aligned with the council’s sustainability objectives.
“We had to be very mindful of the health and safety considerations of a live site full of energetic children.
We collaborated closely with the school’s senior management team and became part of the school family whilst on site. It was an absolute pleasure to work there.
“We were delighted to be able to continue our relationship with Lancashire County Council particularly on such a complex build site like this.”
Enhanced Learning Environment
New partitions, glazed screens, and improved layouts enhance flow and visibility, while the staff room was upgraded to support comfort and wellbeing.
New doors and windows were fitted to improve energy efficiency and security, alongside drainage upgrades and new fire doors to meet modern safety standards. Creating a safer, more sustainable learning environment.
A new external teaching canopy now provides a flexible, weather-protected area to improve and incorporate further outdoor learning for pupils.
The additional school places were needed to meet increasing demand driven by new housing developments and a rise in the local birth rate.
“This scheme reflects the council’s ongoing focus on applying its skills and resources to asset management. Using the council’s framework, the project has been delivered in line with our processes to support efficient use of public funds.”
“I have enjoyed working with them as a team, they have always been very responsive and supportive. Craig Ward and Simon Gornall have supported our school, incredibly well with Keith and Steve always on site to speak to if needed.
We are confident that this will continue to inspire our pupils to excel both personally and academically. I extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project, from the design team and builders to our dedicated staff and supportive families.
Thank you all for working so hard with us the past three to get our school to where it is today.”
Social Value
Krol Corlett is proud to have helped Cottam Primary School expand their intake and improve learning facilities for young people in the region.
The expansion has been introduced gradually, with annual reception intake increasing from 30 pupils to 60. While the rise in numbers had already begun using existing space within the school, the new accommodation required to support the eventual roll of 420 pupils, up from 210 previously.
With brand-new internal and external facilities such as partitions and fire doors also installed, we have also made the school a safer and more accessible place to learn.
The build continued our commitment to working with education facilities to the highest standard. The project completed after other highly successful projects at Flakefleet Primary School, University of Liverpool, the University of Salford and the University of Manchester.