Reflections: Life After Oaklands Manor Refurbishment
At Environment & Power Technology Ltd (EPT), we’re proud to have completed our work to breathe new life into Oaklands Manor in Buxton. From its previous use by Derby University as a residential Leadership Training Centre, we have now completed its refurbishment into a learning centre with accommodation for children and young persons in care.
It has been a significant and sensitive refurbishment project with a change of scope part way thrown in. That involved the reconfiguration of the training and support areas. It has transformed an historic building into a modern, welcoming, safe environment for the young people who will be occupying the building.
A New Purpose for a Historic Building
Oaklands Manor, located on the edge of the Peak District, is a property with deep character and heritage. EPT’s Building Fabric Team was appointed to refurbish and adapt the building to serve as both a specialist school and a residential home for young people with complex needs, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
This was more than just a construction project — it was about creating safe, functional, and nurturing spaces where children can learn, live, and thrive.
Scope of Work
Our Building Fabric Team delivered a full package of refurbishment works, including;
- Internal alterations and reconfiguration to create classrooms, therapy spaces, quiet rooms, and living accommodation.
- Roof, wall and window repairs to ensure the building is structurally sound and energy-efficient.
- Upgraded fire safety measures, including new fire doors, alarms, and emergency lighting systems.
- Decorating and finishing works throughout, using calming colours and robust materials designed for long-term use in care and education settings.
Delivered with Care and Collaboration
Our team worked closely with the client and specialist consultants to ensure the finished environment supports the emotional and practical needs of the children and staff. We understood the importance of delivering a high-quality finish while maintaining strict timelines and budget requirements.
Health, safety, and safeguarding were central to the project, with all work planned around ensuring the building could be safely handed over for use by a vulnerable group of young people.
Some Words on Sustainability
On this project and all others EPT considers the allocation of operatives seriously in order to minimise the travel distance from home to site. We achieve this through our vehicle tracking. That’s important as it provides an historic analysis of our fuel usage. EPT also has a strategic company car policy that replaces existing vehicles with electric.
The work carried out made full use of energy efficient LED lighting, heating and air conditioning.
EPT also partners with proven waste disposal partners to maximise the amount of inevitable construction waste that can be recycled or disposed of in the most sustainable way.
We take our attention to carbon reduction seriously. That is illustrated by EPT’s commitment to the SME Climate Hub.
A Lasting Impact
The newly refurbished Oaklands Manor now provides a safe, accessible, and inspiring environment tailored to the needs of its new residents and learners. We’re honoured to have contributed to a project that will help improve lives and open opportunities for young people with learning difficulties.
The successful refurbishment of Oakland’s Manor stands as a testament to EPT’s expertise and dedication to excellence. The project exemplifies the company’s ability to seamlessly blend tradition with innovation, delivering results that exceed expectations. EPT’s meticulous attention to detail, commitment to sustainability, and collaborative approach have breathed a new life into this historic, preserving a piece of history for the future.
More About Environment & Power Technology
We are proud to have a solid reputation for expertise and reliability in delivering building fabric solutions for public use. EPT specializes not only in the restoration of historic buildings but also in the construction and refurbishment of care homes, schools, and universities. Their extensive portfolio showcases a commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring that each project meets the highest standards of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether it’s preserving the heritage of a manor or creating modern educational facilities, EPT’s skilled team consistently delivers exceptional results tailored to the unique needs of their clients.
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