About the Project

Elmgrove Primary School, Harrow

Construction of 800-pupil school, completed in 176 weeks.

Arriving on this scheme following the school’s decant to temporary accommodation to allow the new building to be constructed, Andrew Weller found a disgruntled user and a client kept at a distance by poor communication. What’s more, the programme was challenged by the discovery of unexpected asbestos, while a flawed construction methodology envisaged completing the below-ground works only after the frame and facade had gone up.

Andrew invested time and effort into rebuilding relationships. He gained the trust and respect of the external project team by delivering on his commitments and promises. And he turned the relationship dynamic around by engaging with the supply chain to find an efficient solution for the asbestos, while his open communication with the client gained buy-in to an extension of time to deal with the problem.

He also changed the below-ground approach from brickwork to blocks, waterproofing from ground beam to slab before infilling the cavity. By completing all works below ground, backfilling and forming the ground up to base-course tarmac, he provided a perfect working platform for the superstructure build.

The client rates Andrew’s project management and leadership as outstanding, while the head teacher praises him for restoring her trust in the project by consistently demonstrating the school’s ‘golden values’: kindness, commitment, respect and responsibility.