JCA Consulting was appointed to provide Quantity Surveying and Cost Management services for the extension of the existing canteen facility at Cockburn High School in Leeds. The project formed part of the school’s wider plan to enhance pupil wellbeing and accommodate growing student numbers, by increasing dining space and improving the overall flow and function of the existing building.

The development included the construction of a permanent canteen extension, along with the formation of a fully operational temporary canteen facility to maintain catering services for students and staff throughout the duration of the works.

Scope of Works

• Construction of a new single-storey canteen extension
• Formation of a temporary canteen to allow uninterrupted service
• Ground preparation, including pressure grouting of coal seams
• Internal finishes, mechanical and electrical installations
• Integration with the existing school infrastructure
• External works and service diversions as required

The project demanded efficient sequencing and coordination due to the live school environment, with a tight 19-week programme aligned to term times and operational needs.

JCA’s Role

As Quantity Surveyor, JCA Consulting led the financial management of the project, ensuring value for money was delivered at every stage. Our role included:

• Preparing the initial cost plan and advising on budget parameters
• Assisting with procurement and tender evaluation
• Managing value engineering to optimise cost against design intent
• Administering contractor payments and valuations
• Monitoring change control and reporting regularly to the client
• Final account settlement and close-out reporting

A key part of our service was advising the client on how best to manage the cost and risk associated with ground remediation, particularly the pressure grouting of coal seams, which was a necessary pre-construction measure due to historic mining activity in the area.

Challenges and Solutions

• Live School Site: Ensuring safety and minimal disruption to students and staff during term time required close coordination with the design and delivery teams.
• Temporary Canteen Facilities: JCA advised on cost-effective temporary structures that met all health and safety requirements without impacting the overall project budget.
• Ground Conditions: The discovery of voids and unstable ground due to historical coal seams required urgent ground improvement works. JCA worked with the contractor and client team to quantify, validate, and manage the impact of these additional works, maintaining transparency and budget control.

Outcome

The project was successfully completed within the 19-week programme and delivered within the agreed cost parameters. The new canteen facility now provides a modern, functional space that improves the dining experience and supports the school’s growing needs.

• JCA’s involvement ensured:
• Clear cost control from inception to completion
• Early identification and management of risk
• Minimal disruption to school operations
• Delivery of a high-quality facility on budget and on time

Client Benefit

The canteen extension has significantly enhanced daily life at Cockburn High School, providing a brighter, more spacious environment that accommodates larger numbers and reduces queuing times. By maintaining catering operations during the build, the school was able to operate smoothly without compromise to student wellbeing.

JCA Consulting is proud to have supported this important development, contributing our commercial expertise to help deliver a facility that will benefit students and staff for years to