Public Sector : Education News
Morgan Sindall wins Newham school upgrade project

Morgan Sindall wins Newham school upgrade project

Morgan Sindall has been appointed by the City of London Academies Trust (COLAT) and the Department for Education to deliver major upgrades to Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre. The project at the free sixth form college, situated on Barking Road, has been procured through the Department for Education’s (DfE) construction

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Mace completes Marshgate building at UCL East campus

Mace completes Marshgate building at UCL East campus

Mace has completed the UCL Marshgate building, part of the first phase of UCL’s new campus at East Bank on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Marshgate is UCL’s single largest building to date providing over 35,000sqm of cross-disciplinary teaching, research and learning spaces over eight floors. Designed by architects Stanton Williams

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Morgan Sindall completes work on Warwick school

Morgan Sindall completes work on Warwick school

Morgan Sindall has completed work on a new school in Warwick. Kenilworth School and Sixth Form is part of Warwick District Council’s plans to increase school places and improve facilities in the region. The project involved Kenilworth School & Sixth Form relocating from two existing sites to a new facility

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Kier Construction Completes Graven Hill Primary School

Kier Construction Completes Graven Hill Primary School

The construction of the 420-pupil primary school development at Graven Hill has completed and is being handed over to the Warriner Multi Academy Trust to welcome children from the 11th September 2023. Delivered on a three-acre site and funded by the Graven Hill development, the school was constructed by Kier

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Kier to redevelop Oak Academy in Bournemouth

Kier to redevelop Oak Academy in Bournemouth

The Department for Education (DfE) has appointed Kier to deliver the redevelopment of Oak Academy in Bournemouth. A new campus design for the 900-place secondary school will replace the existing buildings on site, have a more concise and efficient layout, and will provide a variety of learning spaces, including science

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New £7m primary school in Lichfield completed

New £7m primary school in Lichfield completed

Children in Lichfield are gearing up to start their education in a brand-new school in September. Anna Seward Primary School will be welcoming its first cohort of pupils in the new school year, after undergoing a year-long build process. Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, delivered the construction works through the

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Plans approved for life science campus in Hertfordshire

Plans approved for life science campus in Hertfordshire

UBS Asset Management and Reef Group have received approval to develop a life science campus in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, one of the largest in Europe. The decision from Stevenage Borough Council’s planning committee paves the way for the new Life Sciences hub to be delivered alongside GSK’s existing Global R&D facility

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Public Sector : Education News

Morgan Sindall wins Newham school upgrade project

Morgan Sindall wins Newham school upgrade project

Morgan Sindall has been appointed by the City of London Academies Trust (COLAT) and the Department for Education to deliver major upgrades to Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre. The project at the free sixth form college, situated on Barking Road, has been procured through the Department for Education’s (DfE) construction framework. Work will take place across two buildings, with the former East Ham Police Station set to be refurbished and a new structure built at the rear of the building, providing a new, high quality teaching space for students. The two buildings will be connected via a glass façade dining hall. Across both the new structure and refurbished building, Newham Collegiate will benefit from an additional 11 classrooms and four seminar rooms, creating an additional 60 places for the school. Two new cycle stores will be built to encourage healthy and sustainable travel for prospective students. Morgan Sindall will also install a green roof with over 100 sq. m of photovoltaic (PV) panels across all roofs on site. As part of Morgan Sindall’s commitment to delivering social value to the communities in which it operates, the project team are already underway in engaging with the local Newham community. To date, the tier one contractor has hosted four different events at local schools and provided students with the opportunity for work experience and mock interviews. Throughout the project, the Morgan Sindall team will continue to generate social value in Newham, educating the next generation on careers in the construction industry that they may not have previously considered. Morgan Sindall is working alongside engineers Ingleton Wood and architects Rivington Street Studios. Alongside the work at Newham Collegiate, Morgan Sindall is delivering a new residential development in Newham that will bring hundreds of much-needed affordable homes to the area. Manor Road Quarter, from The English Cities Fund (ECF), is currently under construction and when complete will deliver 804 homes, of which 50% are affordable, to the London Borough of Newham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Your COOP agrees deal to build a children’s nursery at Graven Hill

Your CO-OP agrees deal to build a children’s nursery at Graven Hill

Your Co-op Little Pioneers nursery and Pre-school, which has more than 45 nurseries and pre-schools in the UK, is set to deliver a new nursery at the popular Graven Hill development. Your Co-op will manage the construction of the nursery, on a 0.38 acres site close to the new Warriner Academy Trust primary school, with the build set to commence shortly. White Commercial Surveyors advised Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC). Sally Bonnar, chief operating officer for the Childcare Group at The Midcounties Co-operative said: “We are investing significantly in our Little Pioneers nurseries in the coming years, and our new Bicester site is another step on that journey. “As part of a co-operative, our focus is always on doing the right thing by our children and our communities, providing a nurturing, safe and rewarding environment in which our children can develop and enjoy themselves, while also helping them to learn about the communities and world they are living in. I can’t wait to see the nursery once it’s complete” Adrian Unitt, Operations Director at Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC), added: “We are delighted to welcome Little Pioneers to the site. The nursery will be built and run by Your Co-op, which is an ethical member-owned childcare business, with Ofsted reports at its UK-wide nursery sites that are consistently good or outstanding. “Providing early years and pre-school learning, with healthy meals freshly prepared on site, it will be a fantastic addition to the growing community here at Graven Hill. “Ultimately we are delivering a well-connected development with a rich character and strong sense of place that has a positive effect on both the direct and wider community. Our contribution to the local and regional economy is growing with every home built and our success story is only part way through its journey.” This is the latest in a number of community amenities to be announced at the 550-acre development. Market Square Dental recently opened its state-of-the-art five surgery practice and Wine Rack and Wine Valley Cocktail Bar opened on the 19th August. White Commercial Surveyors is providing commercial property advice on all of the commercial amenities and existing retail units which are currently under offer.  There is also a further site available for a pub restaurant at the frontage of the development. Chris White, MD at White Commercial Surveyors said: “Achieving a critical mass of residents living at the Graven Hill site has been essential in attracting sustainable commercial operators to the site. By delivering custom build and apartments, alongside self-build, there are now almost 500 homes occupied at the site and this footfall has undoubtedly attracted our second operator. “We are delighted to introduce a new nursery to the site and wish Your Co-op Little Pioneers and Preschool every success as Graven Hill continues to develop. We also continue to seek a pub/restaurant occupier for the prominent frontage site and have other retail units and office space available, for those seeking an attractive location near a railway station, and within easy reach of Bicester, Oxford and London.” Graven Hill is the UK’s largest self and custom build residential development situated close to the Bicester Village Designer Outlet in Oxfordshire. Significant amenities planned include a sports pavilion, pitches and allotments. A community centre is also set to be delivered by the local council. GHVDC is also seeking local contractors to tender for its next phase of new homes and apartments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Mace completes Marshgate building at UCL East campus

Mace completes Marshgate building at UCL East campus

Mace has completed the UCL Marshgate building, part of the first phase of UCL’s new campus at East Bank on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Marshgate is UCL’s single largest building to date providing over 35,000sqm of cross-disciplinary teaching, research and learning spaces over eight floors. Designed by architects Stanton Williams to provide new spaces for collaborative thinking, Marshgate unites activities across the arts, technology and science under one roof. Enabling students and staff to immerse themselves in innovative activities and cutting edge research. The floors are clustered into a series of ‘neighbourhoods’, each with its own double-height collaboration space to encourage cross-disciplinary knowledge share. The lower levels of the building include a network of publicly accessible spaces, with a café, exhibitions, art programmes, and activities, designed to draw the public into the heart of the building. The building creates a key interface with the wider Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park community. Its publicly accessible lower floors feature a curated programme of art and activities, including works by local artists, and landscaped outdoor settings providing a newly animated and accessible public realm. During construction Mace partnered with the UCL Plastics Waste Innovation Hub to replace all single-use plastics with fully reusable modular hoarding panels, recognised by LLDC as the new standard for all hoarding across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Reflecting UCL’s overarching mission to embed sustainability through its campus and culture, durability and energy efficiency were central to the design approach. The BREEAM Excellent-rated building is powered in part by renewable electricity, with the aim to reach net zero carbon by 2035 in keeping with the district’s wider sustainable energy strategy. Terry Spraggett, MD Public Sector Construction, Mace said: “Together with UCL, the project team and our supply chain partners’ we’ve delivered an outstanding building. We are immensely proud to be part of this journey. Marshgate is exceptional in its vision – championing collaboration not just between the students and academics but including the wider public. Working closely with the community has been key for us to ensure we create long-term social value for the wider campus. I can’t wait to see Marshgate open and all the great ideas and innovations come to life.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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WSW Refurbishments Steps In to Help Address Concrete Crisis in Schools Around South East of England

WSW Refurbishments Steps In to Help Address Concrete Crisis in Schools Around South East of England

In a concerning turn of events, over 100 schools across England are grappling with the urgent need to secure their buildings, which contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). The issue at hand revolves around the safety of these structures, which have been deemed potentially prone to collapse. With the safety of students and staff at the forefront, schools have been tasked with implementing precautionary measures, which could entail the complex task of shoring up ceilings and ensuring structural integrity. Amid this concrete crisis, WSW Refurbishments has emerged as a vital player, offering innovative solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. Collaborating closely with a team of seasoned engineers in the South East, WSW Refurbishments has been at the forefront of aiding in the identification of cases. Engineering Expertise in the South East One of the standout aspects of WSW Refurbishments’ involvement in this endeavour is its collaboration with expert engineers based in the South East. This partnership has enabled the company to tap into a wealth of specialised knowledge and experience in dealing with complex structural challenges. Creating Access and Safety To address the issue effectively, WSW Refurbishments has been instrumental in creating safe access to the affected areas within school buildings. This process is essential for both inspection and subsequent remediation efforts. Working Hand-in-Hand with Structural Engineers and Surveying Experts The collaboration between WSW Refurbishments, structural engineers, and surveying experts has been pivotal in formulating precise strategies to ensure the structural stability of the affected buildings. These professionals have joined forces to conduct thorough assessments and identify areas of concern. A Comprehensive Solution Across the South East Understanding the urgency and magnitude of the issue, WSW Refurbishments has dedicated extensive efforts to develop innovative procedures for aiding trusts and schools in identifying structural concerns. This commitment extends across the South East region, where the company has been actively engaged in assisting with building assessments and facilitating necessary actions. WSW Refurbishments’ proactive approach underscores its determination to support educational institutions in addressing critical safety challenges, ensuring a secure environment for students and staff members. Liaising with Schools to Ensure Smooth Operations Throughout this process, WSW Refurbishments has maintained open lines of communication with schools to coordinate their efforts and minimise the impact on students’ daily routines. This collaborative approach underscores the company’s commitment to delivering effective solutions while prioritising the well-being of all those involved. A Trusted Partner for Schools WSW Refurbishments’ track record of working with numerous schools over the years has positioned the company as a trusted partner in these critical times. The ability to adapt and address the concrete crisis reflects WSW Refurbishments’ commitment to safety and its expertise in handling complex structural challenges. As schools in England navigate the concrete safety issue, WSW Refurbishments remains dedicated to providing innovative solutions and ensuring the security and stability of educational facilities. In the face of adversity, WSW Refurbishments stands as a beacon of expertise and commitment to the safety of students and staff in schools across the South East. Colin Cheek, Managing Director of WSW Refurbishments, explains, “We have been working with a number of strategic partners to help locate and identify the concrete whereabouts, it is important parties work together to create a coordinated approach to tackling this challenge and ensuring Schools are safe for our children. I have no doubt more and more public buildings will be identified as needing work. Targeted sections of many of these structures will need additional support, or if identified as dangerous, this will require partial or complete demolition”. Established in 2008, WSW Refurbishments was created to set the standard in the refurbishment space. A family-owned private company that has strong values in ensuring a high standard of quality to provide all clients with a strong level of service. We believe that every space has the potential to inspire, and we are committed to helping out. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Morgan Sindall completes work on Warwick school

Morgan Sindall completes work on Warwick school

Morgan Sindall has completed work on a new school in Warwick. Kenilworth School and Sixth Form is part of Warwick District Council’s plans to increase school places and improve facilities in the region. The project involved Kenilworth School & Sixth Form relocating from two existing sites to a new facility at Southcrest Farm, Glasshouse Lane in Kenilworth. Spanning over 36 acres of land, the new three-story campus offers 2,200 places, an increase of 440, helping to cater for the growing population in Kenilworth, a market town six miles southwest of Coventry. Procured through the Pagabo Framework and delivered for Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust (KMAT) and Warwick District Council, the school is now one of the largest in the UK. The design includes extensive teaching and social provision including two floodlit all-weather pitches, natural grass pitches and hard-court areas; a dining room with “grab-and-go” options, hall and theatre, community sports and changing facilities, and a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) suite. Following completion, the community and local sports clubs will have use of new sports and leisure facilities, and community groups will be able to hire the hall/theatre and other facilities at the school. The local air cadet group, 496 (Kenilworth & Balsall Common) Squadron, have also been invited to share the facilities. Richard Fielding, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “KMAT already had an existing reputation as one of the best schools in the area, so it was an honour to be a part of developing it even further. The completion of the new school marks exciting progress in the provision of public services for the growing town of Kenilworth. We are delighted to have completed construction works on one of the largest schools to have been built in the UK, and to deliver facilities which will benefit not only students and staff at the school, but the wider community for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Kier Construction Completes Graven Hill Primary School

Kier Construction Completes Graven Hill Primary School

The construction of the 420-pupil primary school development at Graven Hill has completed and is being handed over to the Warriner Multi Academy Trust to welcome children from the 11th September 2023. Delivered on a three-acre site and funded by the Graven Hill development, the school was constructed by Kier on behalf of Graven Hill Village Development Company (GHVDC) and Oxfordshire County Council. The building has been designed with enhanced thermal values and high performance materials to the principles of Net Zero Carbon and achieved a BREEAM* Very Good rating. The photovoltaic panels will also provide power to the local grid when the school is not in use. As well as reducing the amount of heat and energy the school will use, the design also maximises natural ventilation in order to deliver a healthy place to learn. Andy Bolas, regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “We are delighted to have delivered a state-of-the-art new primary school for Graven Hill. The school has been designed and built to provide students and teachers with sustainable learning facilities which will serve the community well for decades to come.” Adrian Unitt Operations Director at GHVDC said: “We have overcome huge challenges in the UK construction industry, from significant inflation of costs to access to materials, so it is fantastic that we have succeeded in delivering the primary school prior to the occupation of the 550th home at Graven Hill. “Designed to promote collaboration and flexible learning, the new school will enhance the great sense of community spirit here.  With a focus on great architecture, the building has been designed to reduce energy and water consumption, enhance ecology, protect biodiversity and maximise natural ventilation.” The two-form entry school is being run by the Warriner Academy Trust. It provides 12 classrooms, specialist facilities for art, design and technology and more than 13,000 sq. m of pitches, play and multi-use games areas. The early years facility will accommodate a further 90 pupils aged between 2-4 years in three classrooms, with dedicated facilities and play areas. The capacity of the site also enables the school to expand to three-forms of entry in future. Annabel Kay, CEO of the Warriner Multi Academy Trust said: “We are so excited by the opportunity to work closely with members of the Graven Hill community to ensure that the primary school is one that we are all proud of and, most importantly, one where our children can thrive. Being able to develop and establish a culture happens very rarely and we are all determined to make our school the very best that it can be. Both Keir and the GHVDC have worked so hard to deliver the most wonderful school for all of our children and we look forward to welcoming the community through our doors”. Cllr Calum Miller, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property at Oxfordshire County Council said: “I know how much residents in Graven Hill have been looking forward to the opening of their primary school. A school stands at the heart of its community so this marks an important point in the development of Graven Hill. Thank you to the team who have worked so well together to deliver the school at the start of the new academic year. I hope it will be the home of many happy memories for pupils – this year and for many years to come.” Graven Hill remains a hugely popular development. Unique and diverse, it offers a wide range of housing options from self-build and custom build, which can be tailored to your needs, to apartments and affordable homes. Significant amenities planned include a sports pavilion, pitches and allotments. A community centre is also set to be delivered by the local council. GHVDC is also seeking local contractors to tender for its next phase of new homes and apartments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Kier to redevelop Oak Academy in Bournemouth

Kier to redevelop Oak Academy in Bournemouth

The Department for Education (DfE) has appointed Kier to deliver the redevelopment of Oak Academy in Bournemouth. A new campus design for the 900-place secondary school will replace the existing buildings on site, have a more concise and efficient layout, and will provide a variety of learning spaces, including science and technology classrooms and improved facilities to cover sport, music, drama and SEND provision. Oak Academy will be net zero carbon in its operation, in line with the DfE’s latest output specification requirements. It will be a thermally efficient building incorporating the use of air source heat pump technology and a full bio-solar roof incorporating photovoltaic panels. The project is funded through the DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme, which was announced in 2020, and is addressing either the rebuilding or major refurbishment of 500 schools with the highest condition need. The building has been designed using Kier’s kSchool design platform to reflect the school’s desire to serve as the heart of the community. The H-shaped layout centres around an open dining space with glazed elevations, adjacent courtyards to encourage socialising and learning, and configurations to allow the school hall, sports hall and changing facilities to be used by the wider community after hours. Kier is committed to providing support to the school throughout the design, build, handover and post occupancy phases to ensure that they derive the maximum benefit and most efficient operation from their new building. Mark Norris, operations director at Kier Construction London & Southern, said: “We are delighted to be appointed by the Department for Education to create a new home for Oak Academy, one which will deliver improved, sustainable facilities for students, staff and the community. “This innovative net zero carbon in operation project will combine improved facilities under one roof, making more efficient use of the site’s footprint and allow the school to increase its student and staff intake. “We look forward to using our wealth of first-class education facility experience to bring this project to fruition, positively impacting the wider community and its next generation of talent.” Oak Academy is part of the Ambitions Academies Trust, a multi-academy trust serving schools in or close to the Bournemouth and Weymouth areas. The Trust’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Principal and Directors have been involved with the project from the start. Sian Thomas, CEO at Ambitions Academies Trust commented: “We are excited that Oak Academy will have a new school with such superb facilities. Ensuring that future generations will have a great school in which to thrive is so important and means a lot to the whole community.” This appointment is the latest appointment for Kier on the Department for Education Construction framework and further strengthens its position as a leading provider of educational facilities across the UK. Recent appointments include Emmanuel School, a new sustainable community primary school in Havering; Carew Academy, a new SEND school in Wallington; Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School, a partial rebuild project in Wotton-under-Edge; and Thomas Keble School, a new secondary school in Gloucester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Consultancy appointed for civil and structural expertise on net zero school

Consultancy appointed for civil and structural expertise on net zero school

An engineering, environmental, and planning consultancy’s education sector experience will be utilised on the build of a new net zero school in North Wales.  Caulmert, which has offices in St Asaph, Bangor, Altrincham, Nottingham, and Kent, has secured the contract with Cyngor Gwynedd to deliver civil and structural work on the new Community Campus in Bontnewydd near Caernarfon. Funded via the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Schools’ Challenge, £12 million will finance the net zero project, which includes community facilities on the wider campus, such as a hall, office space, and car charging points.  There are currently two buildings on the site, a community centre located in a former Victorian school, and the current Ysgol Bontnewydd in a 1970’s building. Both are part of Cyngor Gwynedd’s plan to reuse materials, reducing the carbon footprint of the new development. Caulmert has so far completed a survey of the current school site to assess what can be repurposed prior to demolition and is set to carry out further investigations. Reflecting Wales’ net zero carbon mandate, the firm’s analysis of the current structures will feed into the building information modelling (BIM) team’s recommendations. David High, associate at Caulmert, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Cyngor Gwynedd again, they are a great client and we enjoyed working with them on the £9m new Ysgol Y Garnedd project in Bangor. “A key element of this project will focus on minimising carbon emissions for the construction process, keeping sustainability front of mind. “We welcome the opportunity to be part of such a pioneering scheme, a new net zero school in North Wales, which will no doubt set a precedent for other institutions in the region.” Richard Farmer, project manager at Cyngor Gwynedd, added: “Bontnewydd Community Campus is an exciting and innovative opportunity for us all. “The Welsh government has challenged us to demonstrate our vision for sustainable construction and community involvement in school construction. “Both the design process and the final building will be exemplars and we are pleased to welcome Caulmert to the team.” Cyngor Gwynedd also has plans to introduce as many types of renewable energy as possible, and to utilise surplus locally where achievable. A nearby river, Afon Gwyrfai, also has the potential to provide a source for hydroelectric and water source heat pumps.  Transport to and from classes will factor into the school’s sustainable ethos too, with safe travel links for walking or cycling to be established. Founded in 2009, Caulmert is on track to meet an ambitious growth and development plan. Its expertise in a variety of planning, environmental and engineering disciplines is supported by its use of BIM to a level two standard in many of its projects. For more information visit www.caulmert.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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New £7m primary school in Lichfield completed

New £7m primary school in Lichfield completed

Children in Lichfield are gearing up to start their education in a brand-new school in September. Anna Seward Primary School will be welcoming its first cohort of pupils in the new school year, after undergoing a year-long build process. Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, delivered the construction works through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) Framework, alongside Staffordshire County Council, design and project managers Entrust and architects Arc Partnership. The £7m two-storey school will initially welcome nursery and reception pupils before filling up year on year to accommodate 210 school pupils and 26 nursery places. The school, which has been built in response to increased demand for places in the local area, boasts state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, large hall, dedicated design and technology room and a full production kitchen to provide healthy meals for pupils and staff. The accommodation makes good use of natural light, ventilation, and technology to provide modern energy-efficient spaces, as well as modern outdoor formal and informal play spaces. Anna Seward Primary School will be part of the highly successful Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), which runs six other facilities in Lichfield. An official ceremony to celebrate its opening is planned to take place in September 2023, once staff and pupils have started the new term. G F Tomlinson provided £212,976.00 of social value added opportunities for the local community, including organised site visits and career talks with students from nearby schools and recycled 98 per cent of its construction waste generated on site which was diverted from landfill – contributing positively to the local environment and the national carbon net-zero agenda. Jonathan Price, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Anna Seward Primary has been built in response to local housing developments, which have increased demand for school places in the Lichfield area. It has been great to see the school constructed over the past few months and, although the school summer holidays are currently in full swing, I’m sure many parents and pupils will be looking forward to starting their education in a brand-new school come September.” Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to have completed another project for Staffordshire County Council and continue our excellent working relationship, playing our part in expanding primary school provision in the local community. “Seeing Anna Seward Primary School take shape over the last few months has been truly rewarding – knowing that the school will provide an exceptional learning environment for many local children.” Richard Gill CBE, the ATLP CEO, said: “It’s hugely exciting to see many months of planning and hard work come to fruition at Anna Seward Primary, where we have assembled a first-class teaching team. “The ATLP has built a highly respected reputation for delivering excellence in education to primary and secondary school pupils in Lichfield and beyond. Parents of Anna Seward pupils can expect such high standards.” This is the sixth school G F Tomlinson has delivered for Staffordshire County Council to date, these include the most recent Bramshall Meadows First School in Uttoxeter and Fradley Park Primary School in Lichfield last Summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Plans approved for life science campus in Hertfordshire

Plans approved for life science campus in Hertfordshire

UBS Asset Management and Reef Group have received approval to develop a life science campus in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, one of the largest in Europe. The decision from Stevenage Borough Council’s planning committee paves the way for the new Life Sciences hub to be delivered alongside GSK’s existing Global R&D facility and the vibrant ecosystem at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst. The scheme will deliver a world-class, sustainable, and connected life science campus bringing together companies from early-stage through to commercialisation and helping to meet the growing demand for GMP manufacturing and laboratory space in the UK. Construction is expected to start in late 2023. The 15-building campus, which will be named ‘Elevate Quarter’, will be set around a central green with an interconnecting network of paths and open spaces. The buildings for the new campus will comprise a variety of different uses, including R&D labs and offices, GMP manufacturing facilities and flexible lab buildings, as well as training, innovation and collaboration spaces. Employee and visitor amenity spaces will include restaurants, cafes, and leisure facilities. There will be three Green Transport Hubs which will provide multi-storey car parking, bike parking and potential scooter/e-bike hire spaces. Olivia Drew, Portfolio Manager, Real Estate and Private Markets, UBS Asset Management, said: “The delivery of the new life science campus will leverage years of unparalleled experience across both UBS and Reef. The buildings have been carefully designed to be at the cutting edge of sustainability and will facilitate world-leading R&D and advanced manufacturing. The new campus will support thousands of new jobs and boost the UK’s position as a global life sciences leader.” Piers Slater, Joint Chief Executive, Reef Group, said: “The approval of our new life science campus in Stevenage further cements its position as Europe’s leading cluster for advanced therapies. Stevenage is ideally positioned to attract world-class talent and the campus will facilitate further collaboration between major multinationals and biotechs. The campus has been designed to allow these life science businesses to grow and scale-up over time and to create an open and accessible environment for both employees and the wider public.” Image Credit: Hawkins Brown Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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