Sewell Construction score top
marks for Central Fire Station

The Sewell Construction team repurposing Central Fire Station in Hull, working with Hull Esteem on behalf of Ron Dearing UTC, have scored 45/45 in their recent Considerate Constructors Scheme inspection for respecting the community, caring for the environment and valuing their workforce. A post-inspection point has been awarded for implementing innovative best practice by the team at Sewell Construction engaging with students in producing a 360 degree video tour of the project as it progresses for sharing with wider stakeholders.

The former fire station building is being transformed into a new sixth form centre and STEAM studios for the UTC to increase student places to meet demand and will open from September 2023.

The Considerate Constructors Scheme is a not-for-profit, independently managed organisation that supports and guides positive change in the industry. Monitors are looking for projects that follow the ‘Code of Considerate Practice’ in three key areas, which the site team achieved 15/15 for in each category.

Sewell Construction Project Manager, Dave Major, said: “We are continuously looking for innovative ways to develop the business and deliver sustainable solutions to help our clients, whilst supporting skills development. This score echoes that and is a testament to the hard work of the team and the quality approach we take when delivering projects.”

The Industry Average for Schools and Colleges sites is 40.77 and there are over 3000 sites currently registered with the scheme nationwide.

Respect the Community

Criteria: Constructors must manage their impact on their neighbours and the public to support a positive experience by creating safer environments, delivering meaningful positive impacts and ensuring courteous and appropriate behaviour in and around construction activity.

Result: Scoring 15/15, the monitor highlighted the conscientiousness effort of engaging with the local community months before work began on site through analysing the local area to ensure community impact is targeted and benefitting the right people. It was noted that there is a comprehensive plan in place to promote construction as a career and ensuring the employment of a local supply chain, employment of apprentices and work experience opportunities to local students, ex-forces personnel and those not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs).

Care for the Environment

Criteria: During construction and beyond, the environment must be considered at every step, minimising environmental impact and enhancing the natural environment through prioritisation of environmental issues and minimising carbon throughout the value chain.

Result: The Monitor emphasised the awareness of its environmental responsibilities, noting the aim of being Net Zero in its own operations by 2030. The project is being carried out with a strong emphasis on sustainable construction practises, making use of green technologies to bring the former fire station back to life and ensure it is transformed into a vibrant, low carbon building. Specific project targets as the refurbishment progresses are communicated to the workforce and wider community through boards on the hoarding.
Value their Workforce

Result: The workforce are regularly engaged with, on a daily basis through toolbox talks and site inductions, with the Monitor recognising a clear safety culture on site with regular audits taking place, as well as specialist mental health talks – supporting an inclusive and diverse workplace and ensuring safe working as well as physical and mental wellbeing at work. It was positive to see a number of female personnel on site, with Community Investment Champion, Bethany, and Document Controller, Mel, being directly involved with the Considerate Constructors Scheme process and Monitoring visit.

About the project…
The employer-led Hull school has been oversubscribed every year since it opened its doors in 2017. Following significant funding from the Department for Education (DfE), it is increasing student places from 600 to 800 to meet growing demand.

The renovation and repurposing of the former Central Fire Station next door to the school will house a “smart” exhibition centre which will be used by students and the UTC’s employer partners to showcase low carbon technologies and lead the green revolution across the region. It will also double up as a creative exhibition space to host artists in residence, art exhibitions, arts markets and community arts projects.

The first and second floors will be home to STEAM Studios, which will provide the UTC’s fast-growing creative specialism with three first class art and design studios, a ceramics room, printmaking facilities and two high-tech digital labs. Floor one will also house a new Sixth Form Centre.