Blog: Value winner 2018

11 September 2018

Little Daydreams Nursery

Contract Value: £20,000 

Location: Erith, South-East London

"This is a fantastic example where long-term social value has been created within and beyond a community - starting with virtually nothing but a vision, an old building, determination and perseverance"

Mitie and Orbit worked together to refurbish the unused, dilapidated building into a fit-for-purpose, state-of-the-art, nursery.  

The dream began with an Orbit Housing self-employment course when a customer with a vision to provide a day care centre for children with special needs sought help to revive Orchard House. A lot of hard work was required to bring it up to standard.

The building sits beneath the Orchard House tower block and local estate, where there is a direct need for childcare. The nursery is positioned right at the heart of the local community providing a central hub for children to grow and learn. 

With a budget of £20,000 and a 6 week timeline, collaboration in the delivery of this community investment project was key.  From site surveys to completion, Mitie turned around Orchard House in three weeks leaving behind a brand new day centre including sensory room, management office and a new kitchen.

Creating a hub that is so fundamental to a community will add value now and for generations to come.  The project has empowered the community to take further steps towards self-employment, improved health and well being and importantly towards a sustainable future.

“In this category we look for evidence that whole life cost has been a consideration from the outset, combining capital costs of constructing the facility with maintenance, operational and occupational costs” explains Ian Bailey, Director, Artelia UK; head judge and sponsor of the Value Award.  “The Little Daydreams Nursery is a fantastic example where long-term social value has been created within and beyond a community – starting with virtually nothing but a vision, an old building, determination and perseverance.”

The Little Daydreams Nursery will now be going to the Constructing Excellence National Awards on the 16th of November where they will be up against Value category winners from regions around the UK including the University of Bristol and Hartlepool Centre for Independent living. 

We will be launching the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards shortly after the nationals, for work carried out in 2018 in London and the South East. You can register your interest in next years awards now to ensure you don't miss out.