Lea Hough was delighted to secure funding for all four Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) applications submitted on behalf of QEGS Blackburn Academy Trust.
Achieving a 100% success rate across four separate projects represented an exceptional outcome for the Trust and reflected the quality of the applications and supporting evidence prepared by Lea Hough’s team. Securing funding for every application submitted enabled the Trust to address a range of priority condition, compliance and health and safety projects across both school sites. Following the successful bids, Lea Hough was also appointed to manage the delivery of all four schemes, providing support from initial funding application through to project completion.
Electrical Re-wiring of the Main Building and Radcliffe Wing
At the Trust’s main secondary school site, funding was secured for the complete electrical re-wiring of the Main Building and Radcliffe Wing. The existing electrical installation was estimated to be more than 45 years old, with ageing distribution boards dating from the 1980s.
The project involves the full replacement of mains distribution equipment, sub-mains cabling, wiring and power supplies, together with the installation of modern LED lighting throughout the building.
Works have been ongoing throughout the summer with upgrade of the main section boards/panel, mains power change over, and completion of the school kitchens outside of term. Work will continue throughout the rest of the building with works due to be completed by February half term.
Once fully completed works will significantly improve the safety, compliance and energy efficiency of the school’s electrical infrastructure.
Replacement of Boiler Plant to the Ormerod and Singleton Buildings
A second project at the secondary school is for the replacement of ageing boiler plant serving the Ormerod and Singleton Buildings.
The existing boilers, controls and associated gas infrastructure had reached the end of their operational life, with no redundancy in the event of plant failure. The project involved the complete strip-out of the existing plant rooms and the installation of new energy-efficient boilers, upgraded gas meter installations, smart Building Management System (BMS) controls and enhanced safety measures, including gas monitoring systems and emergency shut-off arrangements.
Works have progressed well over the summer period with mechanical plant installed. BMS control system are ongoing with final commissioning to be completed over the October half term period. The improvements will provide a more reliable, compliant and efficient heating system.
Fire Safety Improvements at the Primary School
At QEGS Blackburn Academy Primary School, funding was also secured for significant fire safety improvements across the junior and infant buildings.
The project involved replacing ageing and non-compliant doors along escape routes and within high-risk areas with certified FD30 fire door sets, complete with compliant ironmongery. Fire-rated glazing upgrades were also carried out to improve compartmentation throughout the school. These works have enhanced fire safety and helped ensure compliance with current fire safety standards.
Replacement Heating and Hot Water Systems
The fourth successful bid funded the replacement of the boiler plant, hot water systems and heating infrastructure within the Primary School’s Junior Building.
Existing boilers, controls, hot water plant and heating systems had deteriorated significantly and were becoming increasingly unreliable. The new installation will include modern energy-efficient boilers, replacement heating distribution systems, new emitters, hot water systems and smart controls.
Works on this project are just underway with the project programme due to be completed by Christmas. The project will provide a more reliable and resilient heating system while improving the energy efficiency of the building.
From Successful Bids to Successful Projects
The successful outcome of all four applications represented a significant investment in the Trust’s estate and demonstrated the value of a carefully planned, evidence-led approach to CIF funding applications.
Lea Hough worked closely with QEGS Blackburn Academy Trust to identify priorities, develop project proposals and prepare robust funding submissions that clearly demonstrated the need for investment across both school sites. Following the successful funding outcome, our team are heavily involved in the ongoing delivery of all four schemes, helping to ensure the improvements were delivered efficiently and with minimal disruption to pupils and staff.
As both CIF bid consultants and project managers, Lea Hough was proud to support the Trust from funding application through to project completion, helping to deliver vital improvements to safety, compliance, reliability and energy efficiency across its school estate.
