The Gospel Academy Project began as a renovation of an existing church hall on the property but quickly evolved into a full new build due to unforeseen structural and material challenges. Initial demolition revealed hazardous asbestos ceilings and a leaking, structurally unsound roof, necessitating complete roof removal and wall reconstruction. The project required careful coordination between the school administration, client, paying party, architects, and multiple subcontractors. Despite significant delays caused by council documentation issues and ongoing school activities, the project successfully delivered 8 classrooms and 2 administrative offices, fully operational and meeting safety and quality standards.
Redesign and rebuild an old church hall into 10 functional rooms: 8 classrooms and 2 admin offices.
Full demolition of existing structure, including hazardous asbestos ceiling.
Rebuilding of walls using maxi bricks due to insufficient foundation thickness.
Roof removal and installation of a new waterproof and structurally sound roof.
Full electrical system replacement.
Coordination of school operations during construction.
Compliance with council regulations and safe removal of hazardous materials.
Strategy: Multiple meetings and sit-downs were held between the client, paying party, architects, and the project manager to align expectations and identify solutions for structural and financial limitations.
Structural Solution: Maxi bricks were used to rebuild walls safely on a foundation only 18 mm thick. Innovative asbestos removal processes were implemented to maintain site safety while school activities continued.
Team Coordination: The project required coordination between the internal demolition/building team, electrical contractor, roofing contractor, and asbestos removal specialists. Communication was managed using WhatsApp and scheduled progress meetings to ensure all parties were aligned.
Stakeholder Management: Careful negotiation and communication between the demanding client and financially constrained paying party were critical to prevent scope creep while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.
Project Management: Detailed planning and scheduling were continuously adjusted due to high-risk conditions, school activity constraints, and council inspections.
Quality Control: Material inspections were conducted at each stage. The structural rebuild adhered to engineering specifications, and all installations met regulatory standards.
Safety Measures: Site fencing, marked hazardous areas, and coordination with school operations ensured minimal risk to students and staff. Asbestos was safely removed following strict protocols.
Initial Issues: Existing roof and ceiling were unsafe and contained asbestos; walls began to collapse during demolition; foundation insufficient for standard brick construction.
Council Approvals: Documentation falsification required resolution before proceeding, causing significant delays.
Stakeholder Expectations: Client expectations were high while the paying party had strict budget limits, leading to negotiations and design compromises.
Operational Constraints: School remained operational during construction, requiring careful scheduling and safety measures.
Project Success: Project completed to specification, fully operational, and compliant with all safety and quality standards. Delivered within budget, though delayed due to council approvals.
Client Satisfaction: High satisfaction; the client praised the integrity of the process despite delays and challenges.
Quantifiable Results:
8 fully functional classrooms
2 administrative offices
Fully rebuilt walls and asbestos-free ceilings
New roof and electrical systems installed
Early structural inspections and council approval verification are critical to avoid delays.
Clear stakeholder alignment between clients and funders prevents confusion and scope creep.
Coordinating hazardous material removal in operational environments requires strict planning and communication.
This project reinforced the importance of meticulous planning, stakeholder management, and adherence to regulatory requirements. Despite high complexity, unforeseen hazards, and conflicting expectations, the team delivered a functional, safe, and fully operational school building. Lessons learned will guide future school renovation and construction projects, emphasizing thorough inspections, early approvals, and strategic team coordination.