King Edward VI Five Ways School in Birmingham has expanded its facilities with a bespoke modular building supplied by GSC Group. The new building, consisting of a classroom, office space, changing rooms and a storage area, will provide additional room to support the school’s outdoor education programme. King Edward VI Five
ACCELERATING educational development, construction is underway to deliver a new design, technology, and science block at a 400 year-old+ school in Northamptonshire, transforming the campus for its students. Leading multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is working on the project at Wellingborough School on London Road, delivering architectural and civil engineering services
A new primary school will be coming to Stafford this year, opening to students for the start of the new school intake for 2025/26. Burleyfields Primary School will be located on Martin Drive in Stafford and will be part of the Creative Learning Partnership Trust, catering to demand for extra
THE recent expansion of the University of Southampton’s Jubilee Sports Centre, designed by AJ100 practice GT3 Architects, is bringing an elevated sport, leisure, and wellbeing experience to students and residents alike. The £24.7m expansion of the existing sports facility includes a fitness suite with more than 200 stations – making
Scott Brownrigg, an international design practice, has secured planning permission for the T-Levels Building, a new University Technical College (UTC) facility adjacent to the University of East London Docklands Campus, that expands the existing London Design & Engineering (LDE) UTC’s teaching facilities. The new scheme will provide additional workshops and
Highfurlong School, an award-winning Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school in Blackpool, has officially completed a multi-million-pound expansion project. Featuring a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite, the project included the construction of a new building to help manage the growing demand for SEND places at the school. Designed by Cassidy +
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has completed works for the pivotal new centre for Students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (The Gateway) at Nottingham College’s Basford campus. The Gateway is a new two-storey building providing bespoke facilities for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (SLDD). Opening to students in February
The University of Salford has submitted a planning application for a cutting-edge Acoustics Building, poised to bring world-class research facilities to Crescent Salford’s rapidly developing innovation zone. The 1,300m² facility will house the university’s renowned Acoustics Department, consolidating its teaching, research, and commercial activities in a purpose-built environment. The new
Will showcase a range of emerging green technologies to help students and employers learn green leadership skills and practical expertise Leicester College is set to open a new Green Technology Hub at its Freemen’s Park Campus in March 2025. The Hub will feature state-of-the-art green tech equipment including air source
McCoy Contractors is playing a pivotal role in the £40 million redevelopment of Coundon Court School in Coventry. The project is part of the Department for Education’s 10-year Schools Rebuilding Programme. Working alongside main contractor Wates Construction, McCoy Contractors has successfully delivered an extensive groundworks package for two key structures,
King Edward VI Five Ways School in Birmingham has expanded its facilities with a bespoke modular building supplied by GSC Group. The new building, consisting of a classroom, office space, changing rooms and a storage area, will provide additional room to support the school’s outdoor education programme. King Edward VI Five Ways School is a highly regarded secondary school that prides itself on fostering academic excellence and personal growth in its students. Outdoor education is an integral part of the curriculum, designed to encourage exploration, cultivate responsibility and empower students to analyse and take risks. Students widely benefit from outdoor learning, clear evidence of which can be seen in a 2005 House of Commons report. The arrival of the new facility will make it easier for pupils to participate in more of these activities. Working with the appointed project managers, TRU Contracts, GCS Group identified a number of potential obstacles regarding installation. Namely, the site was compromised by the presence of ornamental pillars, large branches and a disused telephone wire. GCS Group was able to advise on these matters early in the project. One such solution was the use of a robot to tow the modules through areas where the presence of heavy vehicles could cause safety concerns. “The position of the classroom made it a challenging task. Access was very tight, along with restrictions for overhead cables.” Said the main contractor from TRU Contracts. “All these issues were dealt with at the early stages of the project, allowing for a fault-free installation. A thoroughly professional job.” King Edward VI Five Ways School now has a brand-new outdoor learning space that they hope will foster a sense of adventure in new and existing students. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ACCELERATING educational development, construction is underway to deliver a new design, technology, and science block at a 400 year-old+ school in Northamptonshire, transforming the campus for its students. Leading multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is working on the project at Wellingborough School on London Road, delivering architectural and civil engineering services alongside principal contractor Bowmer + Kirkland. Though the project handover is set for the end of 2025, this is the first scheme in a much larger overarching transformation of the campus across the next 30 years. The two and three storey building will feature new design and technology workshops, the largest lecture theatre on campus seating 220 students, as well as seminar rooms, office spaces, and computer lab connected by a large glass fronted modern reception. The design and materials of the building have been closely collaborated on by Pick Everard and school stakeholders, helping mix the school’s heritage and history with modernity and innovation. Dora Vestito, associate at Pick Everard, said: “This project is a brilliant example of how a modern building can pay service to and respect its history and heritage, which this school is steeped in. “The space itself balances those modern and traditional touches, with a large glass front flooding the space with natural light, while the surrounding materials deliberately call back to a Victorian era, such as red brick and stone finishes. “Once the 30-year masterplan for the campus, which we developed in partnership with the school, is complete, it will be a very impressive overarching vision, with new sports, science and teaching facilities, as well as a new art and theatre venue, within a greatly improved, wider landscape and open space design. “Everyone at Pick Everard is proud to be playing a role in transforming this English institution.” Though the current campus on the edge of Wellingborough was first developed almost 150 years ago in 1881, the school itself was founded as a Tudor-era grammar school in 1595 making it one of the oldest in the country. Today, its 180,000 square metre site is home to mixed pupils from reception all the way to sixth form. Gary Bradley, regional director at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “We have worked alongside Pick Everard for more than 20 years – much of that time on educational projects – and are delighted to continue that relationship on this most prestigious of schools. We are proud to be building this excellent new design and technology centre.” The project is targeting BREAAM Very Good for energy efficiency. Design has taken a fabric first approach with several sustainability aspects included such as PV roof panels, natural ventilation and thermal modelling performance measuring concurrent with construction to ensure optimum comfort levels for the occupiers and end users. For more information on Pick Everard’s services, head to https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new primary school will be coming to Stafford this year, opening to students for the start of the new school intake for 2025/26. Burleyfields Primary School will be located on Martin Drive in Stafford and will be part of the Creative Learning Partnership Trust, catering to demand for extra school positions in the area. Led by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson and Entrust, construction works will be delivered through the Constructing West Midlands framework on behalf of Staffordshire County Council. The scheme will involve the construction of a new two-storey 2FE school with landscaping, car parking facilities, and pedestrian and vehicular paths – providing 420 places from reception to year six which will be opened in a phased approach year on year. The school will have 15 classrooms in total and the build will also include a library, SEN rooms, hall, kitchen facilities, offices and breakout spaces for staff, alongside a studio. Burleyfields has been commissioned as part of the Burleyfields housing development, which has provided 1600 homes in the area, and the primary school is the 10th school delivered for Staffordshire County Council using the Touchstone design model. A ground-breaking ceremony on Friday 17th January marked the start of construction works and was attended by members of the school and stakeholders including G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire County Council, Entrust and the Creative Learning Partnership Trust. Close liaison has been established with local residents to ensure they are kept up to date with site developments, and a delivery time management schedule has been put into place to minimise disruption to the surrounding area. G F Tomlinson has vast experience working within the education sector, providing high quality school provision across the region. Through their long-standing relationship with Staffordshire County Council and Entrust, the contractor has delivered nine schools to date, the most recent being St Leonard’s Primary School and Beaconfields Primary School in Stafford. The new cohort of students has been asked to imagine and design what they believe their new school will look like and colours and ideas will be incorporated into the final elements of the school design, giving back to the local community. In line with social value commitments, G F Tomlinson will provide site tours and engagement events with the school, meeting local families with pupils who will join Burleyfields in the new school intake. Group managing director of G F Tomlinson, Adrian Grocock, said: “It’s an honour to continue our long-standing relationship with Staffordshire County Council providing much needed educational provision in the region. “Following our ground-breaking ceremony, we are well-positioned to deliver the build for this landmark primary school, ensuring much-needed primary and nursery places in the area.” Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education including SEND, Jonathan Price, said: “It’s great to see the start of work on the new school, which is really important for the area and for the families in the new estate. “It’s vital that we have sufficient school places for children from across the county and that our schools are fit for future learners. We know that having good facilities helps improve children’s learning, and once open with its state-of-the-art facilities, I’m sure children will thrive. “The new school will also be one of the most sustainable in the County, which will help meet our target of reaching net zero by 2030. I look forward to seeing the school grow over the next few years.” Sam Compton, CEO of The Creative Learning Partnership Trust said: “We as a Trust are delighted to support the Local Authority, the Department of Education and GF Tomlinson in the opening of Burleyfields Primary School. We are excited that Burleyfields will become part of our family of schools in our trust. As a trust, we have a mission to create transformational educative opportunities, promoting social justice and unlocking individual freedom. Burleyfields Primary School will be part of the Burleyfields community offering a welcoming environment where children can flourish academically, creatively and socially. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of children who will be walking the Burleyfields way.” Rebecca Bell, Principal Designate, said “We have a strong culture of collaboration and look forward to meeting our new children and their families as they embark on their educational adventure.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
THE recent expansion of the University of Southampton’s Jubilee Sports Centre, designed by AJ100 practice GT3 Architects, is bringing an elevated sport, leisure, and wellbeing experience to students and residents alike. The £24.7m expansion of the existing sports facility includes a fitness suite with more than 200 stations – making it one of Southampton’s largest gyms – alongside four fitness studios, an indoor cycling studio, and dedicated climbing and bouldering wall for all abilities. Together with three new squash courts, the new dry side offering seamlessly integrates with the existing wet leisure space, which includes a six-lane pool. Designed in the aftermath of the UK’s Covid-19 pandemic, the new Jubilee Centre represents an important shift in the way leisure facilities can support the wider ambitions of higher educational facilities. The expansion recognised the opportunity to integrate the requirements of the wider local community into a campus facility. The design team worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the final building met not only the diverse needs of the student population – including numerous sports and athletics teams, gym, and social users – but of the wider community too. This robust understanding of user-requirements not only influenced the final building design, but it also supported operator and client aims as they reviewed opening hours, multifunctioning spaces, and identified potential additional revenue streams. Kieran McFarlane, associate architectural technologist at GT3, said: “We designed this centre with people in mind and, while it’s a key part of the university campus, it’s there for the whole community. Every decision has been made with the goal of making sure that anyone – regardless of age, ability or background – can benefit from what the centre has to offer. “Everything reflects a strive to include and welcome a much wider range of users, seeking to support diversity within the average UK student population. Unisex changing areas, adaptive sports equipment, and the option of quiet and private space or louder public spaces have been integrated throughout the facility mix, ensuring visitors of all abilities and preferences can access, train, compete and enjoy everything the centre has to offer. “It was also a priority to ensure the building feels open, inviting and connected to the spaces around it, including Valley Gardens and University Road. The considered design all comes together to create a really vibrant and accessible space designed to enhance the health and wellbeing of all. The state-of-the-art fitness experience embodies this ethos and positions the Jubilee Sports Centre as the central hub for physical activity and community in the area.” A final priority for the university was for the facility to support wellbeing as much as physical fitness, providing safe, welcoming, social-orientated spaces for the student population. Clear sight lines into external green spaces are integrated along primary circulation routes, with visual and physical access to all facilities facilitated through large windows and glazed entry points into the building. The social café opens onto a wide veranda overlooking the adjacent yoga garden, and access to the nearby public park and fitness trails. Consistent communication with the client team through a multitude of channels ensured that every aspect of the scheme was carefully considered to align with project and team ambitions, culminating in a product of enhanced architectural, inclusive, and BREEAM credentials. This collaborative effort across the delivery team assisted in foreplaning for potential complexities in the enhancement works within a live student area, maintaining a fully operational pool facility throughout the construction phase. The tight site required a compact and well-thought-out solution to avoid splitting leisure services across the campus, reinforcing the ethos of accessibility, and providing cohesiveness across the leisure offering. Kieran added: “Getting the connection between the old and new building to be seamless was critical for the user experience, but we also needed to consider how the expanded Jubilee Sports Centre sits within the wider campus landscape. The way we approached the massing of the building works to reflect that of the campus itself, with a stepped down approach to lower-rise residential buildings at one end of the campus – avoiding the sports centre becoming overbearing in its setting.” Designed to meet BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard, the building features passive design elements such as natural ventilation and light, with an improved airtightness of 3.5m³/h/m², lowering operational carbon outputs, and constructed with lower embodied carbon in mind, it also aligns the finished scheme with the RIBA 2030 Climate challenge. Mark Craig, Managing Director for Construction South at Wates, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our teams’ work delivering this exceptional facility. Collaborating with such innovators as GT3 has ensured the design was sustainable and considerate at all stages, helping us all support the University’s net zero ambitions. “Our purpose at Wates is to create thriving places for communities, providing opportunities for all to feel included and invested in. We believe this new sports centre is testament to this, helping to improve wellbeing in the local community while delivering a positive social impact throughout the course of its build through extensive Social Value initiatives.” Trudi Vout, director of residences, sport & community at the University of Southampton, said: “The new Jubilee Sport and Recreation Centre stands as an example of our commitment to enhancing the student experience and promoting a culture of inclusivity and wellness through sports and active participation. “The building design embodies the shared vision of sustainability, seamlessly integrating green spaces into the building through expansive windows that invite natural light and lawns that foster connection to nature. “The harmonious integration with our existing structure is a testament to the thoughtful planning and collaboration with our architects, GT3 Architects, whose vision, creativity and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this design to life.” The project team for the expansion of the Jubilee Sports Centre also included Wates Group, Ramboll A/S, Method Consulting, and Studio Loci. For further information, please visit www.gt3architects.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Scott Brownrigg, an international design practice, has secured planning permission for the T-Levels Building, a new University Technical College (UTC) facility adjacent to the University of East London Docklands Campus, that expands the existing London Design & Engineering (LDE) UTC’s teaching facilities. The new scheme will provide additional workshops and teaching spaces, allowing the college to increase the learning environment for its students. The new, three-storey building will overlook the Royal Albert Dock to the south. The building’s entrance will be located across a compact central square from the existing LDE building, creating a connection between the two buildings and a focal point for the developing industrial and research facilities in the area. Like the existing LDE building, the new T-Levels Building will feature dark grey terracotta cladding on the ground floor and dark-grey vertical profiled metal cladding on the upper floors. Bright yellow accents – around the entrance and on some windows – will provide visual continuity with bright yellow columns that form an exuberant colonnade along LDE college’s southern elevation. Both buildings allow the general public to interact with the engineering workshops and the teaching spaces, with welcoming open frontages acting as shop fronts to the activities taking place. The workshop on the ground floor has been designed to accommodate large equipment and machinery, while the upper two floors will host other curriculum activities. The new facility will include cutting-edge technical equipment and industry-standard spaces, co-designed with employer partners to meet the demands of the modern workforce. Providing these additional spaces for students will also open up spaces within the existing college for enhanced community programming and public events. The landscape design will extend the existing material palette and treatment across the new site, enhancing consistency and cohesion. This includes paving material and pattern choices, to match the walkways around the existing UTC. The building’s design takes on the ‘Fabric First’ approach with a well performing envelope that aligns with both the Department for Education and the local authority’s sustainability criteria. The design also caters for future expansion and flexibility, allowing the building to be easily adapted in response to the UTC’s future needs. Construction on the new T-Levels building is anticipated to complete in late summer of 2025. UTCs offer T- Levels, full-time, technically oriented education to 14 – 19-year-olds, in preparation for higher education or employment. Oliver Thomas, Project Director at Scott Brownrigg, said: “Continuing to develop LDE UTC’s estate acknowledges the success of the first building that we delivered for them in 2018. Being able to design buildings that facilitate the aspirations and development of individuals and communities, whilst supporting the sustainable growth of both the borough and LDE UTC, is something that we are very proud of.” Geoffrey Fowler, CEO and Founding Principal of LDE UTC, said: “This project is about much more than a building. It’s about investing in young people, addressing the UK’s skills gap, and providing the tools for learners to realise their potential. We are grateful for the overwhelming support from stakeholders, the Greater London Authority (GLA), the Royal Docks Team, Newham Council, our local community and our sponsors Costain, Skanska, Thames Water, the Diocese of Chelmsford and UEL. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Newham’s young people”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Highfurlong School, an award-winning Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school in Blackpool, has officially completed a multi-million-pound expansion project. Featuring a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite, the project included the construction of a new building to help manage the growing demand for SEND places at the school. Designed by Cassidy + Ashton and built by Conlon Construction, the project was carried out over two phases and represents a significant investment in education and community services for the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Coast areas. Phase one of the project was funded by government funding for new school places and SEND. The £4.8m new building doubles the school’s capacity to 180 students, reducing the need to use out-of-borough placements. The new building which connects to the existing school via a covered walkway, includes a specialist teaching room for the delivery of subjects such as science, food technology and life skills. A £2m phase two created a hydrotherapy suite designed to provide children a sensory-rich experience. The suite features a deck-access pool, customisable lighting, a projector, fibre optic art ceiling and a specialised hoist. Designed for dual-purpose use, the therapy pool is also available to community groups outside of school hours and includes features to enable future expansion of an additional storey if needed. Architect Dominic Read-Garrett, from Cassidy + Ashton, said: “It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to work on the design and delivery of the new facilities at Highfurlong School. By collaborating closely with Conlon Construction on this project, we have been able to create a space that truly supports the needs of the students and staff. “The new classrooms, café and hydrotherapy pool are designed to provide both an inspiring learning environment and essential resources for therapeutic and recreational activities. We are proud to have contributed to a facility that will enhance the educational experience for students and empower the whole school community.” Built in 2015, Highfurlong School has been a cornerstone for pupils with a wide range of SEND requirements. The school won the ‘School of the Year’ award, ‘Blackpool Primary School of the Year’ and the ‘Blackpool Inspirational Teacher’ of the year award at the National School Awards in 2021. Highfurlong School head teacher Jasmine Short said: “Cassidy + Ashton and Conlon Construction have worked as a team on this project to bring our vision to life. The design and quality of the build is outstanding, and the entire process to completion was managed in an extremely professional manner. “We are also immensely grateful to Blackpool Council for backing this expansion project. The new facilities at the school have transformed our ability to support the local demand for SEND places. We can now offer places to a larger number of pupils and the community-focused areas enable us to provide an innovative preparation-for-adulthood programme.” Conlon Construction commercial director Darren Lee added: “It is a tremendous pleasure to deliver the newly renovated Highfurlong School, now a state-of-the-art educational facility ready to be enjoyed, to its enthusiastic community of pupils, teachers and parents. Helping to addresses critical gaps in the urgent demand for SEND education solutions, a challenge currently affecting children on a national scale, Highfurlong School features outstanding specialist amenities designed to foster learning and exploration, all within a modern and inspiring environment. “Building on our proven experience in delivering SEND schools, this project highlights Conlon Construction’s strong track record in the education sector – from early years settings to universities – across the region. It also reflects our unique approach to SEND projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of the specific needs and requirements of schools designed for young people with additional needs.” Jasmine added: “Our vision was always to extend beyond the school itself; as we aim to create a hub for the wider community. This includes welcoming former pupils and families and providing a space for socialising and collaboration. The hydrotherapy pool is an outstanding addition. With two pools now available at the school, we can significantly expand access to hydrotherapy for both pupils and the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has completed works for the pivotal new centre for Students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (The Gateway) at Nottingham College’s Basford campus. The Gateway is a new two-storey building providing bespoke facilities for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (SLDD). Opening to students in February 2025, it comprises 13 classrooms, a teaching kitchen, dining area and ancillary spaces across a gross internal floor area of 1,350m2, as well as associated external works to the grounds. A major build for the Nottingham College portfolio, The Gateway was procured via Pagabo’s Medium Works Framework and is one of two major new additions to the college’s Basford campus that G F Tomlinson has worked on this year. The contractor completed the Construction Skills Centre (CSC) in November – a new build specialist facility offering flexible teaching and learning spaces to help meet the growing need for training for construction skilled trades in the local area. Both buildings are designed to align with the Department for Education’s (DfE) output specification and support the sustainability ambitions of Nottingham College, working towards becoming carbon zero by 2030. G F Tomlinson provided £2.1m of Social Value Added opportunities for the local community. This included organised site visits, regular newsletters and career talks with students from the college. 791 local student engagements, 187.5 hours of work experience placements and 48 apprentice weeks equating to 1,804 apprentice hours were provided. Other social value initiatives included partnering with local SME’s Eastledge Ltd, JR Howitt Decorators, Morecroft Electrical Ltd, Optimus Architectural Ltd, SDS Metalwork, Telling Finishings Ltd, Vision Joinery Ltd and William Bailey Ltd where we collectively made a much-needed contribution to the Remar Nottingham Community Kitchen Foodbank, donating £300 worth of essential food items to assist local families in need. The scheme incorporates several sustainability elements such as the installation of 106 PV panels, four air source heat pumps and high spec insulation meaning the new building needs much less energy to heat, and water wastage will be reduced due to state-of-the-art tap and plumbing solutions. During the project, 774 miles were driven using low-emission vehicles and 79% local labour and 76% local spend was achieved within 20 miles of site. 1.5 tonnes of waste materials were rescued from the waste stream and 100% of site waste was recycled, aligning with the target of offsetting carbon during the project, in line with the Government’s Net Zero agenda. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director of G F Tomlinson, said: “Building on our extensive experience within the Education sector, we’re pleased to have completed two pivotal educational schemes for Nottingham College, procured through the Pagabo National Framework for Medium Works. “The Gateway will provide much-needed facilities to support the learning and development of SLDD students at the Basford campus, and alongside the Construction Skills Centre (CSC), we’re delighted to have played a critical role in bringing these landmark buildings to fruition.” Carl Ara, Assistant Principal – Basford, said: “We are delighted with the new facilities at The Gateway, a purpose-built, dedicated space designed to support our students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This exceptional facility includes a wonderful outdoor sensory garden for students to enjoy, offering a calming and engaging environment. The interior spaces are currently being designed, and we are thrilled about the creative and functional features being incorporated. Once complete, The Gateway will be an inspiring, inclusive space where our supported learning students can truly thrive and reach their full potential.” Adam Brumfitt, East Midlands Regional Delivery Manager at Pagabo said “Having supported the client in navigating the challenges associated with the procurement of these projects including tight timescales, the outcomes resulting from the appointment of GF Tomlinson for both projects via our Medium Works framework are great to see”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Salford has submitted a planning application for a cutting-edge Acoustics Building, poised to bring world-class research facilities to Crescent Salford’s rapidly developing innovation zone. The 1,300m² facility will house the university’s renowned Acoustics Department, consolidating its teaching, research, and commercial activities in a purpose-built environment. The new building will replace the current acoustics facilities in the Newton Building on the Peel Park campus and will be located in the Innovation Quarter along Frederick Road. Morgan Sindall Construction, a long-time collaborator with the university, has been appointed to deliver the project. The initiative follows the commencement of work on Salford Rise in September and marks the second milestone in the Crescent Innovation redevelopment. The Crescent partnership, which includes the University of Salford, Salford City Council, and the English Cities Fund (ECF)—a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse—aims to drive economic growth and strengthen links between academia, research, and business. The Acoustics Building will feature state-of-the-art, all-electric infrastructure, including highly efficient building services, photovoltaic panels, and advanced acoustic testing chambers recessed into the floor slab for accessibility. Designed to meet the highest technical and measurement standards, the facility will support Salford’s global reputation in acoustics and sound engineering. A new entrance will provide an enhanced experience for students and industry users, while the building’s design targets a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, incorporating low-energy, low-carbon technologies to reduce its environmental impact. Situated on a former industrial site on Lissadel Street within the 29-acre Crescent Innovation area, the building represents a major step in the area’s transformation. If approved, construction is set to begin in summer 2025, with completion expected by spring 2027. The project underscores the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation while contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Salford. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Will showcase a range of emerging green technologies to help students and employers learn green leadership skills and practical expertise Leicester College is set to open a new Green Technology Hub at its Freemen’s Park Campus in March 2025. The Hub will feature state-of-the-art green tech equipment including air source heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage systems and EV charging stations. This will enable students, staff and employers to gain hands-on, practical experience with the latest green technology. The Green Technology Hub will support a range of Leicester College courses from Level 2 to Level 4, focused on renewables and green technology including: The Hub is funded by the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund and will be fitted out by Quantum Training, a UK renewable training provider, which will also train Leicester College staff on the equipment. Nick Allen, Construction Area Manager at Leicester College said: “The UK currently faces a large green skills gap so the development of our Green Technology Hub represents a step in the right direction by helping to provide a new generation of skilled workers who can take advantage of the career pathways in the rapidly-growing UK green technology sector. “As well as being the cornerstone for our new green tech courses, this new Green Technology Hub development will provide an excellent opportunity for our current students, adult evening learners and for local employers who are looking to upskill their workforce.” Maria Gonella, Managing Partner at Quantum added: “The government’s Net Zero Strategy has targets of supporting 440,000 green jobs by 2030. This new job market has evolved and continues to evolve rapidly. Leicester College students will be among some of the first in the country to gain hands-on experience with green technologies, gaining a sound practical foundation in the basic principles of cleaner energy generation and energy saving technology.” Leicester College, along with its partners Loughborough College, North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College and SMB College Group, was successful in bidding for funding through the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund. The College has successfully been awarded funds to develop training programmes to meet local employers’ skills needs in key industries including the green sector. These programmes support four key aims: decarbonising transportation; green leadership skills; digital upskilling; and employer skills training. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McCoy Contractors is playing a pivotal role in the £40 million redevelopment of Coundon Court School in Coventry. The project is part of the Department for Education’s 10-year Schools Rebuilding Programme. Working alongside main contractor Wates Construction, McCoy Contractors has successfully delivered an extensive groundworks package for two key structures, Block 1 and Block 2. The redevelopment aims to transform the school into a modern, net-zero carbon campus while preserving its historic buildings and respecting the surrounding green belt. Six outdated blocks are being demolished and replaced with three state-of-the-art teaching facilities. Meanwhile, four teaching blocks and two locally listed buildings will remain, blending modern infrastructure with the school’s heritage. Spanning a 3,500m² site, McCoy’s work has included earthworks, site drainage, concrete floor slabs, installation of new utility services, and hard landscaping. One of the project’s significant challenges has been ensuring the school remains operational during construction. This has required the creation of temporary classrooms, fencing, barriers, and alternate access routes to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff. The redevelopment represents a key step forward in providing sustainable, future-ready educational facilities for Coundon Court School and its community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
