Conference Facility Design & Build

Sector: Education

Location: Leyland, Lancashire

Value: Confidential

Architect: N/A

Programme: Phase One - 2 Weeks | Phase Two - 2 Weeks

Brief:

Deakin’s Group was appointed by a confidential education provider to design and build a modern conference facility within their existing school premises. The client required a flexible, high-specification space suitable for meetings, presentations, and internal events, while maintaining uninterrupted daily operations throughout the project.

To ensure minimal disruption to staff and students, the works were carefully planned across two distinct phases, with close coordination and strict site management in place from start to finish.

Scope of Work:

Phase One - Demolition, Strip-Out & Site Preparation:

Executed during the half-term break, Phase One focused on safely preparing the site for transformation while protecting surrounding operations.

• Full demolition and strip-out of the existing conference space

• Careful removal and on-site storage of ceiling grid, tiles, trims, and light fittings for reuse or repurposing

• Installation of temporary internal site hoarding to safely segregate live areas from construction activities

• Responsible waste management and preparation for refurbishment

Phase Two - Full Refurbishment & Fit-Out:

With the area secured and prepped, Phase Two delivered a complete redesign and installation package to create a functional, stylish, and adaptable conference facility.

• Acoustic panelling: Installed to enhance speech clarity and reduce echo, creating an acoustically optimised environment

• Kitchenette installation: Modern kitchenette with laminate worktop, Quooker boiling tap, integrated waste bin, and provisions for a new coffee machine

• Flooring: Burmatex carpet tiles in the conference area for a durable finish, and Karndean LVT flooring in the kitchenette for ease of maintenance

• Suspended ceiling: New Rockfon Color-All ceiling grid system installed, offering both aesthetic cohesion and acoustic benefits

• Lighting design & installation: Bespoke linear lighting scheme with integrated emergency fittings and a DALI-controlled system for adaptive lighting scenes and energy efficiency

• Air conditioning works: Relocation of four existing A/C units, with colour-matched fascias for a seamless finish

• Fire protection: Rockwool fire stopping installed to ensure compliant compartmentation

• Decoration: Full decoration of internal surfaces, including coordinated colour schemes to reflect the client’s branding

• Feature wall graphics: Coordination with the client’s supplier for the installation of custom branded vinyl wall graphics

Project Management:

From initial brief through to final handover, Deakin’s Group provided end-to-end project management. Careful programming and phased delivery enabled the works to be completed swiftly and safely within a live school environment.

Regular progress meetings and site inspections ensured all stakeholders were kept informed, and that the programme remained on track. Our team adhered to strict health and safety measures and maintained a clean, controlled site throughout.

Handover:

The project was handed over on time and within budget, with zero disruption to the school’s ongoing activities. A full documentation pack was issued, including as-built drawings, warranties, and maintenance guidance.

The finished space is a dynamic and professional facility that supports a wide variety of uses – from formal presentations to collaborative meetings, with integrated systems and high-quality finishes that will serve the college for years to come.