A collaborative seven-year project to turn a redundant train carriage into a school and community hub has been nominated for a top award.
Qualis Property Solutions is a joint finalist in the ‘People’ category of The Travis Perkins Managed Services ‘Better Together’ Awards 2026 for its involvement in Upshire Primary Foundation School Train Carriage Project.
Qualis donated £5,000 from its Community Benefit Fund in addition to offering employee time and skills in managing the project.
The school had raised some funds for initial works and Epping Forest District Council’s Community Development and Wellbeing Dept advised on additional funding strands including the Safer Streets fund from Essex Police Fire and Crime Commissioner and Qualis Community Benefits Fund.
The repurposed First-Class train carriage* offers a wider variety of extra-curricular activities for primary age children as well as much needed quiet spaces for staff to work and hold meetings. Children are able to engage in more physical activities, especially in winter when only the school hall is available and has to be shared by all.
The carriage is well used by the school and local community. Regular sessions in the carriage include Rocksteady Music School classes for pupils, a Tuesday Youth Club and holiday clubs delivering sports, dance, arts and craft activities.
Seats in part of the interior remain, with others removed to create a space for multiple activities. There is a toilet on board and a hot and cold water dispenser has been installed.
Ben Johnson Managing Director for Qualis praised the initiative saying:
“What an amazing feat the school has achieved in having the ambition and drive to make it happen. We know the positive impact this carriage will have, and we’re proud at Qualis to be returning value to the community through our support.”
“A project of this complexity needed specialist industry expertise – and that’s where we stepped in to project-manage the transformation, coordinate contractors and enlist support as well as awarding the grant through our Community Benefit Fund.”
“The train carriage project builds upon the work EFDC and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner have been doing in Ninefields, Waltham Abbey to improve health and wellbeing for residents. The school’s catchment area includes Ninefields.”
The award recognises outstanding contributions to social value, inspiring others to make a difference and showcasing the power of collaboration in creating vibrant, healthy, and thriving communities. Qualis is shortlisted in conjunction with Purdy, the main contractor on the project.
*The carriage is named Mr Brown Community Train Carriage in memory of former pupil and school governor Steve Brown. It was officially opened by Mr Brown’s children and Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) Chairman Louise Mead with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last summer.
Upshire Primary School students have a music lesson inside the train carriage, run by Rocksteady Music School teacher Lewis