Chapel Bridge School

Project

Chapel Bridge School

Location

Plymouth

Client

Spaghetti Bridge

Contract

£2.35m

Duration

26 weeks

Project Description

Classic Builders was proud to partner with independent specialist educational provider Spaghetti Bridge to transform the former Plymouth College Preparatory School into Chapel Bridge School in Plymouth. Specialising in nurturing environments for children with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, the client required a comprehensive modernisation of the site within the historic Millfields conservation area.

The property originally served as part of the historic eighteenth-century Royal Navy Hospital, and our team embarked on an extensive refurbishment of the three-storey Ascot Building, alongside repairs to the sports hall and food technology facility, to create supportive, non-traditional learning zones. The revitalised space now provides a vibrant, inclusive platform for delivering a collaborative, real-world curriculum tailored to students with diverse learning needs.

The structural and aesthetic transformation required an overhaul of the existing infrastructure to meet strict Independent School Regulations. As the historic buildings sit within the significant Millfields conservation area in Stonehouse, our team worked hand-in-hand with the consultant team to ensure all external aesthetics remained perfectly sympathetic to their heritage surroundings.

Internally, the team stripped out outdated features to install modern suspended ceilings and new skylight, carefully removed asbestos, applied fresh plastering, and carried out full redecoration, alongside the careful refurbishment of the building’s original, historic sash windows, adding safety window restrictors. The first-floor refurbishment features custom interior paint and finishes chosen specifically to address the sensory needs of neurodivergent pupils. Furthermore, classroom and therapy spaces were structurally engineered with acoustic sound mitigation to guarantee calm environments, and utilise minimal layouts and soft, glare-free lighting to reduce environmental stress.

We also delivered essential accessibility adaptations to ensure inclusivity, demolished an old conservatory to make way for a bright new patio, and installed a modern teaching kitchen. Externally, the project completed the campus footprint with secure fencing, gates, roof cleaning and repairs, installation of external emergency lighting, and a newly developed, staff-monitored vehicle drop-off zone to ensure smooth daily transitions.

An extensive mechanical and electrical upgrade breathed new life into the historic site. Classic Builders managed extensive service replacements, including complete hot and cold- water pipework, advanced ventilation, a brand-new heating system, and the installation of low-wattage LED lighting which was chosen specifically for student sensory comfort. Crucial safety and operational elements were integrated throughout the build, including the re-commissioning of an internal lift, detailed fire stopping, and the installation of compliant new fire doors. Student safeguarding was also a priority, which the team achieved through the integration of comprehensive CCTV networks and a specialised digital door-locking system with advanced access control.

Despite a strict budget and an immovable deadline tied to an upcoming Ofsted inspection, Classic Builders kept the project perfectly on track. We hosted regular visits from school investors to satisfy rigorous funding checks, implementing tight cost control measures to maximise value for money.

By combining sympathetic restoration with tailored, sensory-friendly design, the project delivered an inclusive educational space that fosters belonging and growth.