Kingfisher Special School, Oldham – MEP Installation Case Study Barlows UK Ltd
Project Overview Barlows UK Ltd was appointed by the principal contractor Seddon Construction to deliver the full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) installation for a major extension and refurbishment at Kingfisher Special School in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
Kingfisher Special School is the only primary provision in Oldham serving children aged 2-11 with the most complex and severe special educational needs, including autism, severe learning disabilities, and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). The £3 million project addressed growing demand for places (up nearly 50% in recent years) by extending the school to include new teaching spaces and a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy (aqua therapy) pool.
The works relocated and upgraded an outdated hydrotherapy pool to a modern, purpose-built facility (approximately 13m x 5m, max depth 1.4m, water temperature ~35°C, with tracked hoisting systems for accessibility). This pool, known as “The Splash,” supports therapeutic sessions to maintain joint and muscle mobility, promote wellbeing, and enable water-based physiotherapy and education for pupils, many of whom use wheelchairs or have limited access to public pools. Additional new classrooms were created, including provisions for younger children from age 2.
Scope of Works Barlows provided a comprehensive MEP package across both the existing school areas and the new extension/hydrotherapy pool, ensuring seamless integration, high-performance systems suited to a sensitive SEND environment, and compliance with specialist requirements (e.g., humidity control, safety, and accessibility). Key elements included:
- Electrical: LV distribution, general and specialist power, lighting, IT infrastructure, access control, fire alarm, pool alarm, security systems, Specialist pool earthing systems
- Mechanical: Ventilation with heat recovery, MVHR systems, air conditioning, low-temperature hot water (LTHW), gas systems.
- Plumbing: Hot and cold water services, sanitary installations, above-ground drainage.
The hydrotherapy pool installation required precise environmental controls (e.g., dehumidification and ventilation to manage high humidity) alongside safety-critical systems like pool alarms and hoisting integration.
Challenges The project was delivered in a live, operational SEND school environment, requiring meticulous planning to avoid disruption to pupils, staff, and daily routines. Key challenges included:
- Coordinating noisy, high-risk, or disruptive works (e.g., deliveries, mechanical installations) outside school hours or during low-impact periods.
- Managing on-time material deliveries and sequencing in a busy, occupied site with vulnerable children.
- Ensuring specialist systems for the hydrotherapy pool met therapeutic needs while maintaining safety and minimal downtime for the school community.
Barlows’ experienced team prioritized phased working, clear communication with the school, and strict health & safety protocols to keep impacts as low as possible.
Solutions & Delivery Through close collaboration with Seddon Construction, Oldham Council, and the school, Barlows successfully navigated the live-site constraints. Works were timed sensitively around the school day, with proactive scheduling and noise/dust mitigation measures. The MEP systems were installed efficiently, commissioning focused on reliability for the pool’s constant use in therapy sessions.
Outcomes The project was completed successfully, delivering a fantastic new facility that significantly enhances educational and therapeutic support for pupils. The upgraded hydrotherapy pool remains a cornerstone of the school’s provision, improving outcomes for children with complex needs.
Barlows’ contribution helped the client (Seddon and Kingfisher Learning Trust) achieve their goals in a demanding environment. The success of this project led to Barlows continuing their partnership with Seddon on similar specialist education schemes, such as at Delamere School in Urmston, Manchester.
Client Testimonial / Impact This project demonstrated Barlows’ expertise in delivering high-quality MEP services in sensitive, live educational settings—ensuring minimal disruption while providing durable, specialist installations that directly benefit vulnerable children.
For more information on Barlows UK Ltd’s mechanical and electrical capabilities, visit www.barlowsuk.co.uk.
