Contractors working on the HS2 project in West London have refurbished and donated a disused bus to Old Oak Primary School and Bubble and Squeak. Costain-Skanska Joint Venture (CSjv), who are delivering the HS2 Enabling Works programme in London, joined up with their supply chain to overhaul the bus which will be used by children from the school and the local community as an alternative learning environment and community space.
The bus, donated by RATP Dev London, has been fitted-out with tables, chairs and a television, allowing the space to act as an overflow classroom. Visually, the bus has been completely revamped with a wrapping which has decorated the bus in a ‘bubble and squeak’ style, designed by the school. Astroturf has been used in part on the floor and walls, adding to the sensory experience of the environment.
Speaking about the community project, Dan Hunt, Programme Director for CSjv, sad:
“We are pleased that we have been able to make this donation to Old Oak Primary School and leave a legacy for the community we have been working in since 2016. It is a great example of how we can work with our local communities and schools to provide valuable resources and give children a unique learning experience.”
Jennifer Murphy, Old Oak Community Centre Manager, said:
“ We are thrilled about this exciting, vibrant space and how we can use it to engage our the local community, partners and stakeholders. It’s going to add so much value in how we all collaborate and work together inclusively.”
The bus was officially handed over to Bubble & Squeak and Old Oak Primary School and opened for use at an event on Friday 1st October. Local MP, Andy Slaughter attended the event and was given the opportunity to look around the new facility.
Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith, said:
“I am delighted to be invited to open the renovated CSJV bus to Old Oak Primary School. The bus looks fantastic and will be a great resource for the school, including to help deliver its healthy eating programme, Bubble and Squeak. Thanks to CSJV, HS2, Old Oak Primary School and Bubble & Squeak for their help in making this happen.”
“The renovated bus is a great opportunity for the school to provide additional external teaching spaces and a home for Bubble and Squeak in the Old Oak Primary School”
The project, coordinated by CSjv, was made possible with the charitable work of three of their sub-contractors - Lynch, Lydon’s and Wingate - who each lent their expertise to deliver the scheme. CSjv managed the project and prepared the foundations for the bus. Lynch completed the fit out and arranged haulage, and Wingate provided the external electrical wiring. The community project was a great example of multi-disciplinary subcontractors acting together to provide a product with real tangible benefits to the community.
Robert Lynch, Director at Lynch, said
“We are so happy to see the bus we upcycled being put to great use by Old Oak Primary School. The years of learning and fun that will happen on the bus are a great legacy of the HS2 project”
Harry Haley, Contracts Manager at Wingate, said:
“Wingate are proud to have contributed to this project which will be of great benefit to the school and support the local community.”
