Dawnus Construction Ltd’s commitment to a new school build

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Dawnus Construction Ltd, an international civil engineering and building company, received exceptional and excellent scores in all aspects of the Code of Considerate Practice during its Burlais Primary School project.

Arising from an NEC contract awarded through the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework, the project was for the City and County of Swansea Council.

The works included a two-storey 625 pupil primary school, the demolition and rebuilding of a dilapidated sports pavilion for school and community use and was located in a greenfield site within a residential area and alongside a public park.

Due to the close proximity of residents to the site, the challenge was to avoid the potential for disruption and access or traffic issues. It was also important to gain the trust and acceptance of the local community as there had been some opposition during the planning stages.

Burlais Primary School headteacher, Alison Bastian said of the sites contribution:

“The children thoroughly enjoyed the bridge building workshop – one of the best activities they have done! We would like to thank Dawnus for ensuring the pupils really do feel part of the project.”

Here are some examples of best practice initiatives carried out by Dawnus Construction Ltd:

  • During the design stage, considerate practices were factored-in such as changing the orientation of the Burlais School building to alleviate residents’ fears of rooms overlooking their properties.
  • During the preconstruction stage, plans were put in place to minimise the impact on the local community, such as hoarding, insulated fencing, distribution of letters and newsletters.
  • The project was delivered in line with the Welsh Government’s Community Benefits tool and in participation with the South West Wales Skills Academy, working collaboratively to maximise educational and community benefits.
  • The site demonstrated commitment to the local economy by identifying recruitment and training opportunities for local workers. Nine members of the long-term unemployed were offered work, including ground workers, pipefitters, labourers and a site administrator.
  • Pre-employment work experience opportunities were provided for four people who were sourced from the Swansea Job Centre and Communities First.
  • The team also worked closely with Swansea Council to trial a project bank account and they shared this best practice at the Consulting Excellence South West Wales Best Practice Club presentation.
  • The school car park was completed early for site use.
  • A ‘swept path’ analysis system was used to design the site entrance and identify delivery routes through the residential areas suitable for articulated lorries.
  • Temporary yellow lines were painted outside to keep the entrance clear.
  • Pre-start information was distributed to stakeholders, including introductory letters with key construction dates and emergency contact details.
  • Regular newsletters were sent to local residents with project updates.
  • A community notice board was located at the site entrance, displaying contact details and copies of the recent newsletter.
  • A site-specific community benefits plan was created and implemented.
  • Courtesy towards visitors and the public was included in the site induction and monitored by all supervisory team members.
  • A turf-cutting ceremony was attended by local celebrities, council members and the local community.
  • Two football tournaments were sponsored for local schools and the community involving Swansea City Football Club ex-players and mascot, prizes and activities.
  • Goodwill gestures included a ramp for easy access into the adjacent park, waste timber set aside for neighbours and pot holes repaired in the nearby road.
  • The site team participated in the South West Wales Skills Academy, working collaboratively to maximise educational and community benefits as well as helping to up-skill the supply chain.
  • One noise complaint led to the project manager asking the Environmental Health Inspector to visit the site and record the noise levels of the site generator. Levels were deemed as acceptable but additional sound-proofing was installed for the benefit of local residents.
  • Construction waste was hand-picked for recycling on site.
  • Eco-unit welfare facilities were provided, including shower, lockers and easy-access toilets as well as PIR (passive infrared sensor) lighting, percussion taps and additional insulation. All units were separately monitored for water and electricity use.
  • Site Waste Management Plan – a Site Environmental Champion collected demolition materials from a previous project to use for road construction and foundation capping on site. 90% of construction waste was diverted from landfill.
  • Bat boxes and swift boxes were installed.
  • Traffic marshals escorted incoming and outgoing vehicles.
  • The site visited local schools to deliver safety talks and attended a hoarding poster competition skills event and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Bridge building workshop event.
  • The site was covered by 24/7 CCTV and out-of-hours man-patrolled security.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Co-ordinator worked in conjunction with the SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, Quality) team to ensure good practice was shared and communicated throughout the company.
  • Weekly toolbox talks were delivered to the workforce to highlight important topics as the project progressed.

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