Baldragon Academy, Dundee
As principle contractor, Dem-Master were appointed for the Demolition and associated works at the former Baldragon Academy, Dundee.
The works comprised of the implementation of suitable traffic management, a combination of licensed and non-licenced asbestos removal, soft stripping works, and machine demolition of the building superstructures together with grubbing up of existing floor slabs, basements, swimming pool, foundations and sub-structure.
The Academy comprised of an inter-linked series of 10 buildings ranging from single storey to five stories in height. The construction was generally concrete reinforced structural frame with secondary steelwork, curtain walling and masonry infill panels. The roofs were generally flat concrete slabs with asphalt / bituminous felt finish, however, block D featured a concrete domed roof with sprayed asbestos (limpet) soffit.
A breakdown of the works:
- Site Mobilisation
- Site Security Fencing
- Removal of Licenced and Non-Licenced Asbestos Containing Materials
- Soft Strip
- Machine demolition using a combination of standard and long reach demolition rated excavators – The Demolition sequence allowed works to commence to outlying Blocks of the building in conjunction with asbestos removal & soft strip to maximise programme
- Breaking out of the swimming pool, substructure, under-build and basement floor slabs
- Crushing on site
- Regrading of site to suit adjacent site levels
- Demobilisation
- Recycling of materials
Specific Risks Noted in the Pre- Construction information:
- Site located within busy residential area
- Neighbouring primary and secondary schools
- Asbestos including limpet spray finish
- Significant changes in level across site
- Stone culvert to southern site perimeter
- Pedestrian footpaths / access
- Electrical sub-station
- Gas governor
- Secondary steel reinforcement / support of structure
Our neighbours were informed of our works prior to commencement and we planned the traffic management to utilise routes which would cause the least disruption to the highly populated community.
Safety and information signage was installed during our site set up process and banksmen were present throughout the demolition works to ensure the safe movement of plant and vehicles around and within the site to safeguard our staff and members of the public.
98.77% of all materials from the former school have been recycled
Working closely with our client, Dem-Master wanted to give something back to the community. Examples of community benefits carried out for the Baldragon Academy project were:
- 4 new entrants employed by Dem-Master on to the project which developed their skills and provided the opportunity for experience within the industry.
- The new entrants were enrolled on to a non-licenced asbestos removal course which extended their period of employment as this enhanced their skills enough for them to get involved in different tasks required on the project.
- Charitable Donations made to ‘Dundee Christmas Toy Appeal’ and ‘Dundee Starter Packs for the homeless’
- Voluntary work was carried out by Dem-Master, in conjunction with our client which involved helping sort and wrap Christmas gifts for the ‘Dundee Christmas Toy Appeal’
- A Christmas raffle was held amongst the neighbours who lived next to the former academy
(Photos below)
Success Story!
Kevin (pictured below), was taken on board as one of the four new entrants to work at the former Baldragon Academy, where he carried out various tasks such as soft stripping and dealing with various materials on the site.
Training development is very important to us at Dem-Master. Working with Dundee City Council, Dem-Master enrolled Kevin on to a non-licenced asbestos removal course which allowed him to lengthen his contract as well as gain more skills and experience to increase his chances of obtaining future work within the Demolition industry, which he enjoys.
We are delighted that Kevin has now gone on to secure a permanent position as a Demolition operative within a local company in Dundee. The experience and training that Kevin gained with Dem-Master has been beneficial in obtaining his new position.
“While I was at Dem-Master it made me feel good getting back into work and gave me a better life and I'm happy to still be working” – Kevin.
Our project was particularly interesting for Sandra Cannon who was Depute Head at the former academy until 2015. As a former pupil of what was originally Kirkton High School, much of Sandra’s life was spent at the school. Having begun her career there as a teacher of English she worked her way up through the ranks which included being 'Acting Head Teacher' for a period of time.
Since retiring, Sandra and her group have put in a considerable amount of time recording the history of the school from its opening in 1960, including gathering photos, writing a book and having an exhibition / reception to mark the closure.
Sandra and her group came to the site to take photos of the former academy’s final moments as the Dem-Master team Demolished the various blocks. The school was in an unfit state for purpose which led to the construction of the new Baldragon Academy that has been built next door to the former school.
