Little Lever High School, Bolton
Comprehensive Building Services Upgrade and ExtensionLittle Lever High School, a secondary academy in Bolton originally built in the late 1960s, required a comprehensive upgrade of its mechanical and electrical building services alongside a new two-storey infill extension. Vital Synergy acted as single-point contractor across both works, replacing failing gas pipework serving seven science laboratories and the kitchen while delivering full M&E design and installation for the extension. The phased programme prioritised safety, energy efficiency and continuity of teaching, with all works scheduled around the school's academic calendar to avoid disruption to staff and students.
Client Overview
A secondary academy in Bolton, Lancashire, originally constructed in the late 1960s. The school required modernisation of its ageing building services alongside additional capacity, commissioning Vital Synergy to deliver both a new infill extension and urgent gas safety upgrades across the existing building.
Operating within a live, occupied school placed specific demands on sequencing and site management. Construction and installation works were scheduled around the academic timetable, with the most disruptive activities carried out during school holidays, evenings and weekends to protect teaching time.
Replaced all failing gas pipelines and added advanced ventilation and automatic gas shut-off systems in science labs, ensuring full compliance with modern safety standards.
Installed a hybrid VRF heating and cooling system and central heat-recovery ventilation in the new extension, significantly improving energy efficiency and year-round comfort.
Executed works in phases over term breaks and off-hours, delivering the extension on time and the lab upgrades with zero unplanned class disruptions.
Key Outcomes and Benefits
Full gas pipework replacement and new ceiling-mounted MVHR ventilation installed across all seven science laboratories, alongside a modernised kitchen gas supply.
The new infill extension and legacy gas and ventilation upgrades were delivered as two coordinated phases, aligned to the school's academic calendar.
Lab upgrade works were executed after hours and during holidays, allowing science teaching to continue uninterrupted throughout the programme.
The new two-storey infill extension was completed and ready for occupation in time for the new term, providing immediate additional space for students and staff.
New mechanical ventilation in every science lab meets updated Building Bulletin 101 requirements for indoor air quality in teaching spaces.
A hybrid VRF heating and cooling system paired with heat-recovery ventilation delivers efficient, individually controllable comfort throughout the new extension.
Project Detail
What We Delivered
The Little Lever High School project was delivered in two phases, beginning with the full design, installation and commissioning of a 1MW high-efficiency gas boiler system complete with LTHW distribution, the installation of high efficiency fan convector heaters with localised control systems for each classroom and area, and installation of a new gas fired hot water system.
The second phase incorporated works for the new extension, introducing modern technologies, including a Mitsubishi HVRF system to provide heating and cooling to new areas, working in tandem with a centralised MVHR ventilation system, to create a fully integrated efficient and high performing building environment.
Key Benefits
- Delivery of a high-efficiency heating system, reducing overall gas consumption and running costs
- Improved indoor air quality through mechanically controlled MVHR ventilation
- Enhanced thermal comfort through integrated heating and cooling systems across new spaces
- Reduced carbon footprint through modern, energy-efficient plant and system design
The new system has improved comfort across the building and will help us reduce our energy costs while working towards a more sustainable future. Thank you to all involved.
School Business Manager, Little Lever High School, Bolton
