London & South East

Drew Construction: Developing communities

 Drew Construction

Founded in 1908 by Herbert Drew, Drew Construction is a contractor working on a range of schemes, from housing developments through to school refurbishments.

For the first 65 years of its 105 year existence, Drew Construction worked within the housing market, building local homes for the people of its home town New Milton.

During the 1970s Drew Construction refocused its attention to general contracting, where it continued to go from strength to strength, firmly establishing itself as an integral part of the community. Today Drew Construction works with many leading names, from local authorities and health services, to developers, housing associations and trusts.

Drew Construction manages projects which range in value from £100,000 to £5 million and always places innovation and collaboration at the forefront of its work. Recently completed projects include the New Visitor & Education Centre at Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve and Easeborne Primary School in Midhurst, whilst current schemes include an extension to St Bartholomew’s School in Newbury and continuing works with Marlborough College.

 Drew Construction

Additional projects include the St George’s Primary School redevelopment; a gymnasium extension at Verwood Community Centre; and classroom extensions at Eastleigh College, Hampshire.

Working for Bournemouth Borough Council, Drew Construction created a new eco-friendly visitor and education centre at Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, providing new exhibition space and learning facilities. The 40-week project included a mix of refurbishment and new build and its completion has since benefitted staff, volunteers and community groups.

The visitor and education centre project comprised the refurbishment of an existing barn/cottage to form an exhibition space and the construction of an extension to form a reception area and retail outlet. The extension was built from a single storey timber frame, with internal and external lime render. A wildlife garden and outdoor learning areas completed the project.

 Drew Construction

Prior to the completion of St George’s Primary School, Drew Construction finished the Easeborne Primary School project in West Sussex. The project comprised the general refurbishment of the entire school, modernising it and giving it a new lease of life in time for its official opening in November 2013.

The redevelopment of St George’s Primary School was conducted in two phases, with Phase One reaching completion in August 2013 and Phase Two completing in December 2013. The works were phased in order to allow the school to remain in full operation whilst adhering to the original contract timeframes.

Commenting on the work, Drew Construction Technical Director, Paul Gillard, said:

“St George’s Primary School was made up of four existing structures, so all but one was removed and the existing Victorian school house was maintained and refurbished. The work was conducted in two phases whilst the school was temporarily relocated into the adjoining public school.”

 Drew Construction

Work on the project included the demolition of three existing structures; the refurbishment of the existing Victorian school building to provide class bases, admin areas, a staff room and associated facilities; and service diversions. New construction works on the project included the erection of steel frame structures, curtain walling, insulated external render and the installation of underfloor heating.

Following on from the redevelopment of St George’s Primary School, Drew Construction is shortly set to conclude its work on St Bartholomew’s School in Berkshire. The project includes an extension and alteration to the existing school and got underway in June 2013. Work remains on schedule and will be completed at Christmas.

A couple of schemes that were completed earlier in the year include the Verwood Community Centre gymnasium extension and the creation of new classrooms at Eastleigh College.

The Verwood Community Centre project involved the construction of a new single-storey facility, which included a gymnasium fitness suite, associated changing facilities, offices and washrooms. The building is circular in shape, was constructed from a steel portal frame with blockwork walls, external cedar cladding and zinc roofing.

 Drew Construction

Drew Construction built the original Hub building on the site – which was a £2.5 million project – and returned to conduct this extension. The project utilised the same staff and site manager from the previous scheme, something which was very productive to the project.

Paul commented:

“This collaboration benefitted the project as everyone knew how the original building worked and how it was put together – maintaining the same staff added value.”

Paul added:

“The Eastleigh College project involved the creation of seven new classrooms. The project was quite unusual as it was a completely dry structure; there were no water services required.”

The project utilised a Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) method of construction, which provided a lightweight construction with a short build time, allowing the work to be completed within 22 weeks.

 Drew Construction

Moving forward, Drew Construction is working on a refurbishment scheme to Boarding House at Marlborough College in Wiltshire. When work begins again in summer 2014, Drew Construction will be entering Phase Two of the project, following the successful completion of Phase One during summer 2013.

Paul explained:

“We started at the College last summer, working on the second and third floors of a five-storey accommodation building at the College. We were on-site for approximately ten weeks and next summer we will return to complete the basement, ground and first floors. The works consisted of structural alterations and the complete remodelling of the existing arrangements, to provide 27 bedrooms for borders.

“We had upwards of 50 members of staff on the site, working across the rooms, so it was a little hectic at times, but we completed everything before the pupils arrived back at the start of the new term.”

With yet more projects in the pipeline and continuing schemes with existing clients, Drew Construction remains on track as it works towards achieving another successful century in the business!

For more information about Drew Construction please visit: www.drewconstruction.co.uk.

 Witley Jones Furniture

Based in Stourport-on-Severn, Witley Jones Furniture is a versatile furniture manufacturer, designing, supplying and installing a range of premium quality furniture and case goods for all types of construction projects. Witley Jones Furniture is now in its 16th year and within this time has worked on many interesting projects, including a number of education schemes for the likes of Eton College, Harrow School, Winchester College, Radley College and Shrewsbury School.

Working with Drew Construction on Marlborough College, Witley Jones Furniture designed, manufactured, delivered and installed boarding furniture and soft furnishings.

 Drew Construction

Witley Jones Furniture Director, Simon Downes, said:

“Marlborough College is a fantastic client and this project gave us the opportunity to demonstrate the work that we can do. We deal with around half of the top ten public schools in the country and this is something which we are very proud of.

“This is a fairly new relationship with Drew Construction, but one which we hope to continue moving forward.”

Simon added:

“At Witley Jones Furniture, we never let anyone down. All of our work is always on time and within budget.”

KMC Interior Solutions

Established in Dec 2004, KMC specialise in upholstery & soft furnishings for both the commercial and private markets. The company have worked on many interesting projects over the past nine years, including works for Great Western Hospital Swindon, Wiltshire Council, local small businesses such as hotels and developers and lots of private clients including a couple of celebrities.

KMC Interior Solutions has worked on a number of projects at Marlborough College – once with Drew Construction and twice with other contractors. Working with Drew Construction on Marlborough College, KMC Interior Solutions project managed the soft furnishings (curtains and blinds) from measuring to manufacturing and installation.

Karen Clifford, KMC Interior Solutions, said:

“I feel soft furnishings dress a room and finish it off. It is important that the students are comfortable and feel at home and I think curtains play a big part in providing this and providing privacy when needed.”
Karen added:

“At KMC Interior Solutions we pride ourselves in the provision of a first class service, from the initial enquiry to the completion of the project. We source from reliable suppliers with quality goods and we are always friendly and knowledgeable about what we do.”

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