News

EIC has won a £3.6m mechanical and electrical installation contract for the City of London Academy. This flagship project, which is co-sponsored by the City of LondonCorporation and City University, is being undertaken in conjunction with main contractor, Galliford Try.

The 11-month mechanical and electrical installation programme is set for completion in April 2010 and forms the second phase of a wider scheme. EIC is responsible for the full mechanical and electrical installation requirements of the project, including fire alarm systems, heating and ventilation solutions, gas supply to kitchens and science labs and provision for wiring for six state-of-the-art ICT suites. The innovative use of off-site manufacture and modularisation methods, including the installation of pre-fabricated and pre-insulated pipe work, has been designed to save both time and money, reducing the amount of space and number of people required on site.

The City of London Academy Islington took over from the existing Islington Green School in September 2008, replacing the original 1960s school buildings with a brand new purpose-built 8000 sq m, three-storey Academy designed to improve the learning experience and environment. The work, which is carried out on behalf of The Trustees of the Academy and co-funded by the Department for Children Schools and Families, is due to be finished by October 2011.

Ian Lyall, joint managing director for EIC, said the win was another boost to the company´s already strong education sector credentials. He said: "This is a fantastic scheme which is intended to bring huge benefits to the students and staff of The City of London Academy, providing them with an Academy which is both fit-for-purpose and an inspirational learning environment.

"Our team is able to bring to this project the experience gained over many years working in the education sector. I am also delighted that this contract means we can continue to build upon our successful working relationship with Galliford Try with whom we have undertaken projects many times in the past. It is our ability to deliver on our promises and to exceed our client´s expectations which sees us continuing to secure work with such successful and high profile contractors."

The new Academy building is situated close to the existing 1960s tower block and original Edwardian school buildings which will remain occupied throughout construction. Fitted with features to enable the use of sustainable mechanical and electrical solutions, EIC engineers will supply cable feeds to the roof to enable photovoltaic panels to be installed and will also provide the appropriate mechanism for a ground source heat pump.

Mr Lyall said: "Integral to the mechanical and electrical installation is the concept of sustainability and within this design are several elements which fulfil that requirement. This has become more important in recent years as people consider the effects of both their own carbon footprint and the high cost of fuel, now and in the future. The standards which are being set with public sector programmes such as Academy projects are also filtering through into the private sector. Working in both fields, we at EIC are able to bring our expertise to the table and share best practice on sustainable solutions when it comes to the design, installation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems."

Mike Rozier, Senior Project Manager for Galliford Try, added: "EIC worked well with us throughout the tender process, offering sound value engineering and buildability ideas. We are pleased that this positive relationship and experience has carried over into the installation phase and look forward to the timely commissioning and handover of the new Academy building."

Other high profile education projects completed by EIC include Uxbridge High School, Crossways Academy, Alexander Park School, Watergate School, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, North East Worcester College, Mayville School Leytonstone, West Wycombe School, Oxford University´s Medical Sciences Teaching Centre and Le Rondin in Guernsey.