Classroom Development & Fast-Track Fit-Out: Ore College, Hastings

Overview

During the August 2026 summer holiday shutdown, Asletts Ltd delivered a fast-track, three-week construction and fit-out programme at Ore College in Hastings, East Sussex. The project encompassed complete internal strip-out, structural stud partitioning extending to the structural roofline, certified acoustic soundproofing, specialist passive fire protection, bespoke joinery, electrical reconfiguration, and full commercial redecoration – delivering three fully operational, modern classrooms ready for the start of the autumn term.

Project Details

Client: Ore College
Project Duration: Three Weeks
Completion Date: August 2026

Location

Hastings, East Sussex

Challenges and Objectives

Educational fit-outs present strict logistical constraints: works must be fully mobilised and concluded within finite academic breaks, leaving zero margin for programme slippage.

Beyond strict scheduling, reconfiguring the large existing space into three distinct teaching zones required high technical standards of acoustic decoupling and strict passive fire compliance. The new separating partitions needed to extend beyond the suspended ceilings up to the structural soffit and around structural steelwork, ensuring thorough acoustic dampening and fire containment without compromising building safety regulations or everyday teaching comfort.

Solutions and Execution

Asletts deployed an integrated multi-trade team under direct SMSTS site supervision to execute the project end-to-end:

• Demolition & Strip-Out: Safely dismantling redundant walls, clearing non-structural fixtures, and prepping the shell back to a clean footprint within the first 48 hours of site possession.
• Full-Height Acoustic Partitioning: Erecting high-specification metal stud partitions extending completely through the suspended grid to roof level. Wall cavities were packed with high-density acoustic insulation and clad in performance acoustic plasterboards to minimise room-to-room sound transmission.
• Certified Passive Fire Protection: Installing fire batts and comprehensive fire-stopping systems directly around the exposed structural steelwork and ceiling penetrations to maintain building fire compartmentation.
• Bespoke Joinery & Custom Door Sets: Manufacturing custom heavy-duty door sets in-house to exact opening dimensions, fitted with commercial-grade ironmongery and matching architectural skirting boards throughout.
• Mechanical & Electrical Upgrades: Reconfiguring local circuit infrastructure, installing low-glare commercial LED classroom lighting arrays designed for educational environments, and completing all required testing.
• Flooring Restoration & Final Decoration: Inspecting and replacing broken or compromised floor tiles, followed by thorough surface preparation, durable multi-coat commercial paintwork, and a full turn-key sparkle clean.

Outcome

Through meticulous scheduling, daily progress tracking, and seamless trade handovers, the entire three-classroom fit-out was handed over on time and on budget. Zero construction works overlapped with the return of students and staff, eliminating any operational or safety impact on the college.

Conclusion

The completed project delivered three durable, acoustically balanced, and bright teaching environments that maximise the college’s internal floor plan. The successful execution and high quality of finish have further reinforced Asletts’ reputation as a dependable commercial contractor for Sussex education providers.

Client Feedback:

“We couldn’t be happier with the three new classrooms created by Asletts Ltd. The quality of the workmanship and finished spaces is fantastic, and the entire project was delivered on time and within budget. The team worked extremely well throughout, and we look forward to working with Asletts Ltd on our next project.”

— Facilities and Estate Management, Ore College