Delivering a Temporary Education Facility for Bury Council and Oak Learning Trust

As part of Bury Council’s ongoing commitment to the Oak Learning Trust and the area’s Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) network, Walker Sime was appointed to deliver a temporary education solution that would allow vital teaching and support services to continue while plans for a permanent site were finalised.

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The outcome was the successful installation of a 26-bay modular school on Council-owned land at Whittaker Street – a secure, fully equipped, purpose-built facility that enables Oak Learning Partnership to maintain high-quality education for pupils with complex needs. Walker Sime provided full Project Management and Contract Administration throughout, coordinating multiple stakeholders to ensure the facility was delivered efficiently, safely and on time. Principal Project Manager Ian D’Arcy led the early stages of site identification and design feasibility, before the Walker Sime team took the lead through construction and handover, keeping the project aligned with Bury Council’s objectives.

A thoughtful and flexible approach

A modular approach was chosen as the most cost-effective and flexible solution. The units, supplied and rented from P. McVey, offered the Council the option to purchase them at the end of the lease or repurpose the site once a permanent school is built. This strategy not only met immediate needs but also supported the Council’s wider asset management plans, offering financial flexibility while long-term solutions progressed.

Designing for a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) required a particularly thoughtful approach. These schools support pupils who have been excluded from mainstream education, often due to behavioural or emotional regulation challenges. The design needed to balance safety, security and durability with warmth and inclusivity. The new modular school achieves this balance with small, focused classrooms, breakout spaces for therapeutic activities and robust finishes built to withstand heavy use. Vocational facilities, including a gym, construction workshop and hair & beauty training room, help students build confidence and practical skills for life beyond school.

Interior of the unit at Whittaker Street

Overcoming challenges and delivering impact

The project also came with its challenges. The Whittaker Street site, previously home to a council building, required extensive preparation – uneven ground, disconnected utilities and a compact footprint demanded careful coordination. Walker Sime worked with Bury Council to bring new water, power, drainage and data services to the site while managing a complex modular layout within tight boundaries. Each of the 26 modular units was manufactured in Ireland and delivered one by one, requiring precise scheduling and teamwork between Walker Sime, P. McVey and the Council.

Thanks to proactive planning and open communication, the project was delivered both on time and within budget. By taking direct responsibility for service connections and off-site infrastructure works, Walker Sime helped to de-risk the programme and ensure a seamless installation.

“Now that the facility is ready to welcome staff and pupils, we’re proud to see how it has come together. The new environment has been designed to support both vocational and personal development – creating a space that will encourage re-engagement with learning and give pupils the best foundations to thrive while plans for their permanent home take shape.”

Arron Fitton, Project Manager, Walker Sime

Collaboration driven by expertise

Collaboration was at the heart of the project’s success. Drawing on experience with modular construction, Walker Sime led the process with confidence – engaging early with P. McVey, Bury Council, and the Oak Learning Trust to ensure every detail was right from day one. That early engagement proved crucial. Knowing that modular systems can vary significantly in quality and specification, Walker Sime established clear standards and expectations from the outset. This proactive approach helped guarantee the robustness, safety and functionality required for a specialist education environment, delivering a facility that truly meets the needs of staff, pupils and the wider community.

This project is a clear example of Walker Sime’s ability to deliver adaptable, user-focused solutions that combine technical expertise with genuine care for outcomes. By working collaboratively and keeping pupils’ needs at the centre of every decision, the team helped Bury Council create a learning environment that, while temporary in structure, is lasting in impact.

For nationwide multi-disciplinary construction consultancy, including Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Infrastructure Services, Regeneration Delivery, Construction Design Management, Bills of Quantities and more, call us on 0161 872 9955, email hello@walkersime.co.uk or message us here.