How Fry Site Services, FRY MEP and RecMat Completed a Full Package in Just Five Days
Working in a live school environment is always a challenge. There are tight deadlines, safeguarding rules, limited access and the need to keep disruption to an absolute minimum. When pupils and staff are away for half term, the clock starts ticking. Everything must be planned, delivered and handed back before the school reopens.
Fry Site Services and FRY MEP, both part of Fry Group, recently completed a full enabling works package across a large school campus. The works included new parking bays, white line marking, hoop bollard installation, arboricultural works and a 60 metre gas diversion. All of this was delivered in just five days.
This project showed the strength of our team, our machinery and our planning. It also highlighted the importance of leaving a site clean and tidy, especially in a school environment where safety and presentation matter.
Below is a full breakdown of the works, the challenges and the support provided by our trusted supply chain partner, RecMat.
Why Enabling Works Matter in Schools
Enabling works prepare a site for future construction or improvement. In a school, these works must be completed quickly, safely and with minimal disruption. The school gave us a five day window during half term to complete everything. That meant detailed planning, good communication and a strong team effort.
Our enabling works package included:
- Creating new parking bays in two separate areas
- Installing new white line markings
- Installing hoop parking bollards
- Carrying out arboricultural works including crowning, stump grinding and tree removals
- Delivering a 60 metre gas diversion
- Completing a full site wash down and clean handover
Every task had to be completed to a high standard and in the correct order to keep the programme on track.
Creating New Parking Bays Across the School Grounds
The school needed more parking for staff and visitors. We created new parking bays in two different locations across the campus. This involved:
- Excavating and forming the new parking areas
- Installing and compacting the sub base
- Preparing the surface for final finishes
- Ensuring levels, drainage and access were correct
Parking improvements may look simple, but in a school environment there are always extra considerations. We had to work around existing services, protect footpaths and maintain safe access routes for anyone still on site.
White Line Marking for Clear Parking Layouts
Once the new bays were formed, we installed fresh white line markings. Good line marking is essential for safety and traffic flow. It helps drivers understand where to park and keeps the site organised.
We use long lasting thermoplastic markings to ensure durability and visibility.
Installing Hoop Parking Bollards
To protect pedestrians, buildings and vehicles, we installed steel hoop bollards in key areas. These bollards help guide traffic and prevent vehicles from entering restricted zones. Each bollard was set out accurately and concreted securely into place.
Arboricultural Works: Crowning, Stump Grinding and Tree Removal
The school had several trees that needed attention before the new works could begin. Our arboricultural team carried out:
- Crowning to reduce canopy spread
- Stump grinding to remove hazards and prepare ground
- Selective tree removals where roots or branches conflicted with new infrastructure
All works were completed to BS3998 standards to protect the long term health of the remaining trees.
A 60 Metre Gas Diversion Delivered by FRY MEP
One of the most technical parts of the project was the 60 metre gas diversion. FRY MEP, also part of the Fry Group, handled this element from start to finish. The works included:
- Excavating the route
- Installing the new gas pipework
- Testing and commissioning
- Making the old line safe
Gas diversions require experienced engineers and strict compliance. FRY MEP delivered this safely and efficiently within the tight programme.
The Machinery Behind the Work
Our machinery fleet played a key role throughout the project. Red and white was the theme of the week with:
- One 5 ton Takeuchi excavator
- Two 3 ton Takeuchi excavators
Takeuchi machines are our preferred choice because they are powerful, smooth to operate and reliable. Our operators know them well and trust them to perform on demanding jobs.
RecMat: A Key Support Partner
A project like this cannot run smoothly without strong supply chain support. RecMat played an important role by providing:
- Machinery deliveries
- RORO bins for waste management
- Delivery of Heras fencing for the compound and mobilisation area
Their quick response and reliable service helped us maintain momentum and keep the site organised from day one.
Completing All Works Within Five Days
The school gave us a strict five day window during half term. To meet this deadline we had to:
- Plan every stage in detail
- Sequence trades carefully
- Work extended hours
- Coordinate closely between Fry Site Services, FRY MEP and RecMat
- Make quick decisions on site
Despite the pressure, everything was completed on time and to a high standard.
The Importance of a Clean Site Handover
When pupils and staff return after half term, the site must be clean, safe and presentable. A clean handover is not optional. It is essential.
We take this seriously. Our wash down process included:
- Using our 3 ton dumper towing a water bowser jet wash
- Moving around the site to reach all working areas
- Washing down paths, access routes and construction zones
- Removing mud, dust and debris
- Leaving the site cleaner than when we arrived
A wash down may not be exciting, but it is one of the most important parts of the job. It shows respect for the school and pride in our work.
Why Cleanliness Matters
A clean site handover improves:
Safety No slip hazards, trip hazards or debris.
Professionalism The school sees the care taken in every detail.
Reputation A tidy site reflects the quality of the work.
Compliance Schools have strict standards for cleanliness and safety.
Trust Clients know they can rely on us to deliver properly from start to finish.
A Strong Team Effort Across Fry Group
This project showed the strength of the Fry Group. Fry Site Services delivered the groundworks and external works. FRY MEP delivered the gas diversion. RecMat supported with machinery, waste management and fencing.
Together, we delivered a complex package in a short timeframe with no compromise on quality.
Looking Ahead
With this project complete, our teams and machinery are ready for a busy summer. Demand for enabling works, car park upgrades, service diversions and school projects continues to grow. We remain committed to:
- Investing in the best machinery
- Employing skilled operatives
- Delivering safely and efficiently
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness
Conclusion
This project is a great example of what Fry Site Services, FRY MEP and RecMat can achieve together. From new parking bays to arboricultural works, from bollard installation to a 60 metre gas diversion, everything was completed within five days and handed back clean and tidy.
High quality work, delivered on time, with pride and professionalism. That is the Fry Group way.