Permanent Modular Construction Delivers Modern Learning Environment at Broomgrove Infant & Junior School

When Essex County Council identified the need to replace an ageing classroom block at Broomgrove Infant & Junior School in Wivenhoe, Colchester, the solution needed to deliver more than simply additional teaching space. The project required the demolition of the existing building, construction of a modern permanent replacement and completion within a live school environment, all while ensuring disruption to pupils and staff was kept to an absolute minimum.

Permanent modular construction provided the ideal solution.

Working with Essex County Council, Elite Systems delivered a complete turnkey project, designing, manufacturing and installing a new double classroom building that now provides high-quality learning environments for both infant and junior pupils.

Replacing Outdated Accommodation

The existing classroom building had reached the end of its operational life and no longer met the school's long-term requirements. Rather than refurbishing the ageing accommodation, the decision was made to replace it with a purpose-designed permanent modular building that would provide modern, energy-efficient teaching spaces for many years to come.

The new facility comprises two spacious classrooms, accessible welfare facilities, pupil toilets and dedicated storage areas, creating flexible learning environments that support modern teaching methods while improving the overall quality of the school's estate.

Delivering Construction Within a Live School

One of the project's biggest challenges was undertaking demolition and construction while the school remained fully operational.

Maintaining a safe environment for pupils, staff and visitors was critical throughout the programme. Careful planning, phased delivery and close communication with the school ensured demolition, deliveries and installation activities were coordinated around daily school operations.

Strict site segregation and controlled access routes allowed construction to progress safely while teaching continued uninterrupted, demonstrating one of the key advantages of modular construction on occupied education sites.

A Faster Construction Programme

To meet the required completion date before the start of the new academic year, offsite manufacturing took place simultaneously with demolition and groundworks.

This parallel approach significantly reduced the overall construction programme compared with traditional sequential construction methods. Once site preparation had been completed, the modular building was installed, connected and commissioned efficiently, allowing the project to be delivered within a 12-week site programme.

The ability to manufacture the building in a factory-controlled environment while site works progressed highlights one of the major benefits of permanent modular construction for education projects where programme certainty is essential.

Designed for Modern Education

The completed building has been designed to provide bright, flexible and inclusive teaching environments that support the evolving needs of both pupils and teachers.

Large windows maximise natural daylight, while integrated teaching walls, fitted storage, sink facilities and adaptable classroom layouts provide practical spaces for modern teaching.

Accessibility was also a key consideration throughout the design, with level access, compliant circulation routes and accessible welfare facilities ensuring the building can be comfortably used by all pupils, staff and visitors.

Architecturally, the contemporary blue steel cladding combined with vertical Western Red Cedar feature panels creates a modern appearance that complements the existing school campus while providing a durable, low-maintenance external finish.

Long-Term Performance

Like all permanent modular buildings, the facility has been designed for long-term use rather than temporary accommodation.

A highly insulated building envelope, energy-efficient LED lighting, acoustic ceilings and robust internal finishes provide a comfortable learning environment while helping reduce operational energy consumption and future maintenance requirements.

Factory-controlled manufacture also provided consistent quality throughout construction, ensuring the completed building met current Building Regulations and education design standards.

Complete Turnkey Delivery

Elite Systems delivered the project as a fully integrated turnkey solution, managing every stage from demolition of the existing classroom block through to design, manufacture, groundworks, installation, external works and final commissioning.

This single-source approach simplified project management for Essex County Council while ensuring programme certainty and quality control throughout delivery.

Creating a Future-Ready Learning Environment

The completed building has transformed the teaching accommodation at Broomgrove Infant & Junior School, replacing outdated facilities with two modern permanent classrooms designed to support learning for future generations.

The project demonstrates how permanent modular construction can provide education providers with high-quality, energy-efficient buildings delivered within demanding timescales and with minimal disruption to occupied school sites.

As schools and local authorities continue to modernise ageing estates and respond to increasing demand for teaching accommodation, projects such as Broomgrove Infant & Junior School highlight the important role modular construction can play in delivering permanent education buildings that combine speed, quality and long-term performance.

To learn more about this project and Elite Systems' permanent modular education buildings, visit www.elitesystemsgb.co.uk