The Heaton Public School project in Jesmond involved the removal of limpet asbestos from the roof cavities of three buildings, the replacement of roof structures and the refurbishment of the preschool, staff and learning areas.

Refurbishment works included constructing new timber roof framing and columns, framing new external walls, installing new windows and providing updated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) services. The works also involved fitting new linings and cladding, doors and frames and pinboards.

The most complex aspect of the project was the removal of friable limpet asbestos – one of the most hazardous forms of asbestos ever manufactured. Its removal created a significant challenge, especially within a school setting. Each building had to be carefully set up with a fully sealed enclosure, or “bubble,” to contain the asbestos. This required a detailed design incorporating decontamination units and negative air pressure systems to ensure the asbestos could be safely removed without risk of contamination.

Completing the remediation of all three buildings within the summer school holidays was particularly challenging due to the scale of the work. A dedicated team of 10 workers was onsite every day to ensure the removal was completed safely and on schedule before the school term resumed.

An additional scope of works involved the removal of friable asbestos from two external double brick cavity walls. As there were no adjacent structures to support a sealed containment system, scaffolding was built around the end walls and over the roof to allow for the installation of Monarflex sheeting. This durable sheeting, with its integrated fastening system, was securely attached to the scaffold to create a fully sealed environment. Monarflex proved highly effective, offering resistance to storms and falling tree branches without sustaining damage.