EC Harris Reveals That Use of an Existing
Retail Shell Will Save 36% From Average Cost Of Building A
School
(14 July 2010)
In light of the recent reduction of
funding and commitment from the currently established Building
Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, Built Asset Consultancy, EC
Harris reveals there is a solution to saving billions of pounds
whilst still ensuring ongoing and necessary investment and
development in the schools estate.
EC Harris’ initial findings, based on existing
guidance for school provision, have indicated that making use of an
existing retail shell could cut 36% from the average cost of
building a new school. Not having to begin construction from
scratch would speed up the programme, in some cases significantly,
cutting development timescales in half. It would also
facilitate more immediately flexible responses to short term local
change in demand.
The BSF cut backs further promote the issue of
needing to do ‘more for less’. However EC Harris points out, it’s
the basic need that appears to have been missed in the discussions
– many more new school places are still required and there will
need to be a coordinated strategic response, offering solutions
with far more limited funds.
The effects of the population ‘bulge’ have
created a pressing need for new primary school places during the
next 5 to 10 years, presenting a real challenge to be able to ‘do
more with less’ if capital investment is unchanged. And of
course, the longer term will see a need for more secondary places
as those children grow up.
But this is just the start. Applying new
design principles and delivery techniques combined with new
commercial models for the investment will secure even greater
efficiencies. EC Harris with its partner organisations, has
already created new concepts for delivery using retail ‘shells’,
applying techniques learned from other sectors.
Simon Lucas, Head of Education at EC Harris
comments; “The discussion around “free” schools has highlighted the
possibility that former shops and offices could be converted into
schools; however we’re able to take the debate further and provide
evidence that there are significant savings and efficiencies to be
had in adopting new and radical models over the more
conventional.”
There is a clear need for a greater focus on
what works; doing more with less; more remodelling and
refurbishment and above all, genuinely creative design and
commercial solutions.
EC Harris’ Head of Retail, Catherine
Tobiasinsky adds; “Approximately 1 in 8sqft of retail space is
currently empty. We need to look at space we already have
and how we can get the best from available assets. In
addition, Michael Gove has already recognised that the retailing
industry has a track record improving capital efficiency by looking
to retailer advisors, such as Sebastian James and Kevin Grace.
There is plenty that PfS can learn from current retailer built
asset practices to get more for less.”
- Ends-
Notes to Editors
For further information, please contact
Lauren Verner
EC Harris
34 York Way
London
N1 9AB
United Kingdom
t +44 (0)20 7812 2129
m: +44 (0)7500 883 149
Email: press@echarris.com
About EC Harris
EC Harris is an International Built Asset
Consultancy - acting as trusted advisors to clients - in planning
and executing strategies that optimise the construction, operation,
use and ownership of built assets. The firm has 46 wholly
owned offices in 24 countries employing 3,400 people.
Turnover in 2008/09 was £306m.
www.echarris.com