The Requirement

A new, purpose-designed nursery was required, to be built alongside St Benet's Primary School in Chester Le Street, County Durham.

A variety of activities would be offered in the new building, from dance, drama and languages to the development of skills such as ICT.  

The Solution

The nursery was designed and constructed by Foremans, and comprises seven pre-owned steel modules, which were recycled, refurbished and fitted out off site before being craned into position. The new building was completed in just two months. 

This highly sustainable approach to construction offered a number of advantages:

• significantly reduced the programme time
• minimised any disruption to the adjacent school
• provided a more cost-effective building solution for the nursery.

The scheme was finished in timber to two sides, to meet planning requirements, to help integrate the building into the surrounding environment and to provide an attractive and welcoming appearance for parents and children.  Other features include large picture windows with bright red frames and co-ordinating doors.

The nursery provides a range of accommodation for children up to the age of five, including:

• a sleep room for babies
• milk bar with sterilising equipment
• nappy changing facilities
• play rooms for different age groups
• kitchen
• staff room.

Since it opened, Eden Garden Nursery has exceeded its capacity targets and its owners are now looking to expand the approach in other locations in the County.

Comments from the Client

Margaret Errington, Director, Eden Garden Nursery:

"This method of construction and the recycling of buildings is very much in keeping with the strong environmental ethos of this nursery.  It allowed us to benefit from a good quality, bespoke building that also met our budget requirements."

"We looked at a number of modular suppliers and Foremans was the most cost-effective for a purpose-designed building.  Their approach was easy to work with, fast and the quality of items such as internal doors is very good.  We would definitely use them again as part of our expansion."