Croydon College - ESOL Refurbishment

Ash Technical Services were appointed to undertake a complete refurbishment of the college’s ESOL department during the summer holiday period. The project delivered a complete upgrade to the ESOL teaching environment, improving functionality, technical capability and overall learning quality for the new academic year.

Although the works took place during the summer break with no students or staff on site, the challenge centred on delivering a large-scale, multi-trade refurbishment across 22 classrooms within a strict 8-week programme.

A phased asbestos removal plan was required before general works could progress, meaning the project had to be split into three controlled zones. Each zone underwent licensed asbestos removal before follow-on trades moved in, ensuring works could continue safely while maintaining programme momentum.

The scope of works included full strip-out, complete M&E upgrades, new data infrastructure, flooring replacements, suspended ceilings, fire alarm integration and extensive redecoration. Achieving this across such a broad footprint required:

• Coordinating multiple trades simultaneously across classrooms, corridors and welfare spaces

• Managing a complete electrical rewire, containment installation and new fire alarm system

• Delivering extensive data cabling routes and integration

• Ensuring every classroom was completed, cleaned, tested and commissioned before the enrolment period

• Maintaining progress during peak summer procurement pressures

• Upholding consistent quality while working at speed and scale

With no margin for delay, every phase of the programme had to run precisely to plan.

Ash put in place a structured delivery strategy from day one.

To safely integrate asbestos removals into the programme, the project was divided into three sequential zones, with licensed removal carried out ahead of general refurbishment works. This allowed trades to follow directly behind the asbestos teams, maintaining a continuous workflow and protecting the overall programme.

• Rapid mobilisation immediately after the academic year ended

• Zoned working, allowing classrooms to progress through strip-out, M&E, ceilings, flooring and decoration in sequence

• Early procurement of all key components - lighting, containment, fire alarm equipment and doors

• Daily site supervision to keep trades coordinated and minimise overlap

• Weekly progress reviews with the Estates team to maintain alignment and adjust resources as needed

• Additional labour and extended hours at key stages to protect programme certainty

• Early commissioning of electrical, fire alarm and data systems to safeguard the final handover

This disciplined, multi-team approach ensured continuous progress throughout the project.

The ESOL refurbishment was delivered on time, completed within the 8-week summer window and handed over ready for the new academic term.

Key outcomes include:

• Modern, technology-ready classrooms with upgraded power, data and lighting

• Brighter, more functional teaching environments with new ceilings, flooring and doors

• Energy-efficient LED lighting with automated controls

• A fully upgraded fire alarm and data infrastructure

• Durable finishes designed for heavy educational use

• A refreshed, professional look across all ESOL teaching spaces

The project significantly enhanced Croydon College’s ESOL provision and demonstrates Ash Technical Services’ ability to deliver large-scale, fast-track refurbishments under immovable deadlines.