Their Challenge

Hilton Primary Academy, part of Northern Education Trust, needed to redevelop its outdoor learning and play areas to create a safer, more engaging space that supports early years and key stage development. The programme had to align with curriculum delivery, meet safeguarding expectations, and be delivered within a live school environment with minimal disruption to daily operations.

Our Solution

Applebridge Building Services acted as Principal Contractor, providing end-to-end leadership from planning to handover. We managed CDM duties, programme and site coordination, and the practical controls required for working in an occupied school setting, including access management and safeguarding. We integrated closely with Pentagon Play’s design and installation teams, sequencing enabling works to ensure their specialist surfacing and equipment could be installed efficiently and to specification. Throughout, we maintained clear communication with the academy and upheld robust quality assurance.

Scope of Works

• Principal Contractor duties and full CDM compliance
• Programme management and coordination of all site activities
• Logistics, safeguarding and access control in a live school environment
• Removal of existing surfacing, edging and legacy play structures
• Excavation, ground preparation and formation of new sub-bases
• Drainage installation/modification to support new surfacing and equipment
• Foundations and structural preparation for fixed items, shelters or canopies
• Hard landscaping to improve circulation, access and durability
• Temporary fencing, site welfare and traffic management
• Quality assurance and handover management

The Results

The academy received a durable outdoor environment ready for Pentagon Play’s EYFS-focused installations, delivered through a safely managed and compliant programme. The works improved usability and circulation, provided a robust platform for new surfacing and play features, and maintained continuity of teaching and learning during delivery. The completed space supports physical development, communication and structured outdoor learning while meeting Northern Education Trust’s wider estates objectives.