New £60 million Student Centre on track for April 2021 opening The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has today released new timelapse footage which highlights the impressive progress being made on the exterior of its new £60 million Student Centre. In a little over a month, nearly 100 tonnes of steel and glass have been lifted into place on the south elevation of the development, with the building now virtually watertight. At 13.5 metres in height and nearly 100 metres in length, it all adds up to the highest single span ‘continuous’ curtain walling system in Europe – meaning the outer walls are non-structural. In total, the impressive frontage required 165 units of glass in an assortment of 25 different shapes and sizes. Each vertical supporting bar between the panes of glass weigh in at approximately 1.2 tonnes while the largest glass unit installed is 510kg with the smallest being 130kg. Michael Ahern, UCLan’s Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer, said: “The completion of our Student Centre’s exterior glass frontage represents a major construction milestone. “Our students and staff can’t wait to start using the building which will be flooded with natural light, aesthetically superb and most importantly create an inspiring environment to support our students for many years to come. “Our construction partners Bowmer + Kirkland will soon be entering the final straight as we look forward to the project’s completion in April 2021.”   Work will now turn to the completion of the building’s interior as well as the new public square of which 45 percent has already been laid. Once completed, the development will also provide a greener environment on the previous Adelphi roundabout for students, staff and residents to enjoy, with over 300 new trees being planted and a 50,000-strong bee colony on the roof of the Student Centre. To keep informed of any travel updates and for more detail about current highways information and diversions, visit www.uclanmasterplan.co.uk or follow @uclanmasterplan on Twitter. Alternatively, you can email the Masterplan team at uclanmasterplan@uclan.ac.uk

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has been selected by the Department for Education (DfE) to design and build a brand-new facility for the modernisation of Oscott Manor School in Birmingham, as part of the DfE’s Priority School Building Programme. Oscott Manor School, located in Old Oscott Hill, Birmingham, is a SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disability) secondary school supporting pupils with autism. Rated ‘Good’ in the most recent Ofsted inspection, the school has outgrown its current building following an increase in the demand for places, and due to site constraints which has meant the current site is too small to develop. This has resulted in the relocation and the construction of a new school at nearby Reservoir Road in Erdington, Birmingham. Due for completion in winter 2021, the new educational facility will be a community school for 120 young people aged 11-19, with autism as their primary diagnosis. The school will provide educational, health and care plans for each student. Construction works will involve the demolition of existing buildings at the 2.8 acre Reservoir Road site; the former Bridge SEND School, Fairfield Children’s Home and the Children’s Bungalow, followed by the construction of the new 29,923 sq. ft two-storey modern educational facility with a range of versatile teaching spaces for ICT, design and technology, science and music, as well as general staff facilities, external play areas and associated access roads. It will also include a multi-use games area (MUGA), a forest school with associated lighting and secure boundaries, staff parking and safe drop off and pick up areas for pupils. As you enter the site, the school is adjacent to the Elwood Day Centre which will remain open throughout the works, and G F Tomlinson has worked closely with the centre to ensure access will be maintained at all times and there is minimum disruption to service users. Network Rail is situated on the left and residential properties are located to the right and to the rear. This project will mark the 13th scheme delivered by G F Tomlinson under the DfE framework since 2014 and in line with the organisation’s commitment to social value, the scheme will maximise opportunities for work experience and employment, partnering with local schools, colleges, universities and unemployed residents, through an Employment and Skills Plan, developed in consultation with Birmingham City Council. Chris Flint, director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to be managing the design and build of the new Oscott Manor SEND School, under the DfE framework. “The building replacement is part of the DfE’s Priority School Building Programme (PSBP) that considers applications from Local Authorities and other agencies to rebuild and refurbish school buildings in the greatest need of repair across the country, and the new building will be constructed by the DfE’s Capital team, which includes G F Tomlinson. “This scheme adds to our strategic portfolio of projects in the education sector throughout the West Midlands region where we have an established reputation for delivering high quality SEND schools, providing safe and inspiring places for young people to learn and thrive. “As always, we have focused on the social value of this project, ensuring our dedicated Employment and Skills Plan provides tangible benefits to the community of Erdington and the surrounding areas.” Head teacher of Oscott Manor School, Victoria Miller, said: “The completion of this carefully designed project will provide a wealth of opportunities for our pupils and enhance their curriculum access, community connections and ability to develop the independent skills that will prepare them for adulthood. We are delighted to be working so closely with the DfE, Bond Bryan Architects and G F Tomlinson to ensure that this project meets the needs of our cohort.” G F Tomlinson’s design team include Bond Bryan Architects, BSP Consulting for structural and civil engineering services and Anderson Green for mechanical and electrical services.

Pagabo announce that Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £13.4m contract for the second phase of the £62m redevelopment at Oaklands College in St Albans. It comes after they successfully handed over the first phase in the summer, the Homestead building, which provides residential accommodation for up to 80 students as well as two on-site wardens. Phase two was again procured through our Major Works Framework and will be known as The Evolution Centre to represent the importance it will have in the development of the College’s staff and students.  The new facility will be the core learning building on campus and contains a mix of classrooms and support spaces for teaching staff, with seven classrooms forming a dedicated wing for Oaklands College’s Pathway 4 special needs provision. A sustainable build: Now or Never  To support Willmott Dixon’s ambition to be net zero carbon by 2030, the site team have created early electrical connections to the grid so that the tower crane, site and welfare facilities do not need diesel generators. The project is also utilising the local St Albans based community wood recycling to ensure that all timber not required is reused rather than sent away as waste. Chris Tredget, managing director at Willmott Dixon in London and East, said: “After delivering the Homestead Building, the team is delighted to be back on site with the Evolution Centre and look forward to creating a new teaching space that will benefit the college and students for years to come.” Zoe Hancock, principal of Oaklands College said: “The Evolution Centre will house 49 classrooms and will be a centre for technical, academic and vocational education. It will transform the learning experience for our students, and we are really looking forward to its completion in Autumn 2021.” Jonathan Parker, national framework manager at Pagabo, said:  “We’re delighted to be continuing our close working relationship with Willmott Dixon, and are really pleased to see the second phase of work in motion at Oaklands College following the handover of the first phase earlier this year. This next phase of work, which was awarded via a single stage procurement process through a programme of works, made it quicker and simpler to get work underway on delivering teaching facilities and a dedicated wing for special needs provision that are set to have a hugely positive impact on both the college and the wider community.” After the successful handover of the first phase, we’re all delighted to see phase two in motion and wish Willmott Dixon the best of luck in delivering this fantastic scheme.

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has been selected by the Department for Education (DfE) to design and build a brand-new facility for the modernisation of Oscott Manor School in Birmingham, as part of the DfE’s Priority School Building Programme. Oscott Manor School, located in Old Oscott Hill, Birmingham, is a SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disability) secondary school supporting pupils with autism. Rated ‘Good’ in the most recent Ofsted inspection, the school has outgrown its current building following an increase in the demand for places, and due to site constraints which has meant the current site is too small to develop. This has resulted in the relocation and the construction of a new school at nearby Reservoir Road in Erdington, Birmingham. Due for completion in winter 2021, the new educational facility will be a community school for 120 young people aged 11-19, with autism as their primary diagnosis. The school will provide educational, health and care plans for each student. Construction works will involve the demolition of existing buildings at the 2.8 acre Reservoir Road site; the former Bridge SEND School, Fairfield Children’s Home and the Children’s Bungalow, followed by the construction of the new 29,923 sq. ft two-storey modern educational facility with a range of versatile teaching spaces for ICT, design and technology, science and music, as well as general staff facilities, external play areas and associated access roads. It will also include a multi-use games area (MUGA), a forest school with associated lighting and secure boundaries, staff parking and safe drop off and pick up areas for pupils. As you enter the site, the school is adjacent to the Elwood Day Centre which will remain open throughout the works, and G F Tomlinson has worked closely with the centre to ensure access will be maintained at all times and there is minimum disruption to service users. Network Rail is situated on the left and residential properties are located to the right and to the rear. This project will mark the 13th scheme delivered by G F Tomlinson under the DfE framework since 2014 and in line with the organisation’s commitment to social value, the scheme will maximise opportunities for work experience and employment, partnering with local schools, colleges, universities and unemployed residents, through an Employment and Skills Plan, developed in consultation with Birmingham City Council. Chris Flint, director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to be managing the design and build of the new Oscott Manor SEND School, under the DfE framework. “The building replacement is part of the DfE’s Priority School Building Programme (PSBP) that considers applications from Local Authorities and other agencies to rebuild and refurbish school buildings in the greatest need of repair across the country, and the new building will be constructed by the DfE’s Capital team, which includes G F Tomlinson. “This scheme adds to our strategic portfolio of projects in the education sector throughout the West Midlands region where we have an established reputation for delivering high quality SEND schools, providing safe and inspiring places for young people to learn and thrive. “As always, we have focused on the social value of this project, ensuring our dedicated Employment and Skills Plan provides tangible benefits to the community of Erdington and the surrounding areas.” Head teacher of Oscott Manor School, Victoria Miller, said: “The completion of this carefully designed project will provide a wealth of opportunities for our pupils and enhance their curriculum access, community connections and ability to develop the independent skills that will prepare them for adulthood. We are delighted to be working so closely with the DfE, Bond Bryan Architects and G F Tomlinson to ensure that this project meets the needs of our cohort.” G F Tomlinson’s design team include Bond Bryan Architects, BSP Consulting for structural and civil engineering services and Anderson Green for mechanical and electrical services.

Work has begun on the first phase of the refurbishment project to modernise Stockport College, with new buildings and upgraded teaching facilities. Delivered for The Trafford College Group, the scheme first gained planning consent from Stockport Council in 2018, and will see major improvement works across the campus, resulting in an enhanced learning environment for students, staff, and visitors. The plans include the construction of a new arts building within the shell of the former arts department, together with the refurbishment of Vernon Tower to provide new teaching accommodation. “Following extensive feedback from students, staff and local residents, we are pleased to say that work has now begun on the revitalisation of Stockport College. After what has been a challenging year, this project is just the boost we need to help us meet our goals for the college in 2021 and beyond, and we look forward to sharing updates with staff, students and the wider community as building progresses,” said Michelle Leslie, vice principal of corporate services at The Trafford College Group. Classes will continue on-site for the duration of the works, with the college remaining fully operational outside of the site boundary. Seddon is completing the project on behalf of The Trafford College Group, with work expected to complete in July 2021. In the wake of a second lockdown across England, and as has been the case throughout the pandemic, Seddon is taking extra steps to ensure health and safety is a priority on-site. Work on phase one – which is valued at £7.1m – will continue with social distancing and improved hygiene measures in place to protect staff and contractors. Seddon has also teamed up with The Trafford College Group to offer places for five apprentices, including a quantity surveyor, assistant site manager, joiner, painter, and a plumber. Partners on the project include Project3 architects, WSP planners, Planit-IE, Abacus CM, Rider Levett Bucknall, Hydrock and CBO Transport. “Stockport College is part of the town’s fabric, offering fantastic educational opportunities for local young people in open space that both students and visitors can enjoy. For both us and The Trafford College Group it was vitally important that the campus be updated to a high standard to attract new talent and create a modern, vibrant campus that would benefit all. Work is progressing well, and we look forward to completing ahead of the 2021/22 academic year,” added John Shannon, divisional director at Seddon.

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has been selected by the Department for Education (DfE) to design and build the new Bramcote Building, a specialist teaching block for The Polesworth School in Tamworth, Staffordshire. The school is a mixed gender secondary school with pupils aged 11-18, and it is part of the Communities Academies Trust – a multi-academy trust comprising 17 schools in the West Midlands region. The Bramcote Building replaces five existing teaching blocks which are nearing the end of their usable life and will be demolished by G F Tomlinson following completion of the new building.   Construction on the new three-storey 2,479m2 teaching block started back in June, and the steel frame and roof are now complete, with works progressing on the external envelope and internal partitions.  Once finished, the building will cater for Design and Technology teaching spaces, ICT teaching rooms, science laboratories and staff spaces, allowing the school to continue delivering the curriculum in a safe and quality environment. The project also includes the resurfacing of an existing 2,135m2 multi-use games area (MUGA) with new fencing and lighting, marked out in accordance with Sport England specifications for five-a-side football, basketball and netball. Expected for completion in autumn 2021, the works are being undertaken within a live school site and have been carefully planned to minimise disruption to ensure the school is able to maintain continuity of the curriculum and extra-curricular delivery for students. The project team is ensuring that all COVID-19 working guidelines are adhered to, to ensure safe working and social distancing on site. In addition to the operational school, the site is located in a built-up residential area, bounded by Birchwood Primary School, the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and Polesworth Sports Centre, and close liaison with all neighbours has been paramount to agree shared access routes through to the construction site, to minimise the impact on the surrounding area and maintain access at all times. In line with G F Tomlinson’s commitment to social value, the project will maximise opportunities for training and skills for local young people, and five apprentices have already benefitted from being engaged during the design and pre-construction stage.  This will be the first project that G F Tomlinson has completed for The Polesworth School and Community Academies Trust, and the 12th project for the DfE framework. Chris Flint, director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to have commenced works at The Polesworth School to deliver much needed modernised teaching spaces which will enable the school to continue providing an excellent standard of education. This project is part of the DfE framework’s schools investment programme which aims to address urgent requirements for the replacement of buildings to provide improvements to the quality of teaching and learning environments. “The buildings being demolished and replaced were nearing the end of their usable life and the planned works will allow for the school to continue teaching in certain buildings, whilst we construct the new facilities ensuring there is no disruption to the day-to-day curriculum. The works will provide high quality, optimised teaching and learning spaces for staff and students, improving the overall educational experience of children at the school. “It has been an honour to engage with DfE again for another project, taking our total projects for the framework to 12 in six years.” G F Tomlinson is working alongside Bond Bryan (architect), BSP Consulting (engineer) and Anderson Green (M & E services) to deliver this project.

Construction work has commenced on a new multi-million-pound sports facility at Backwell School near Bristol, North Somerset. The 1,770-square-meter scheme will deliver a new state-of-the-art four-court sports hall – as well as a fitness suite and changing facilities – to create better sporting opportunities for the school’s secondary and Sixth Form students. Lancashire-based Collinson Construction is acting as main contractor for the project, which will also provide much-needed additional teaching space for the school with the inclusion of a new block of science classrooms and a staff office. Funded through the Lighthouse Schools Partnership and a Priority School Building Programme grant, the facility was approved by North Somerset Council planners in June, with contractors now bringing the scheme to life on the former site of tennis courts. It is just one of several projects Collinson Construction has started on site this year. The education construction specialist commenced works on a new sports facility at Durrington High School in Worthing, West Sussex, while the firm also completed a £2.6m multi-use sports hall at Thorpe House School, in addition to a new £2.1m arts and music centre for Morecambe Bay Academy. Rob Duxbury, managing director at Collinson Construction, said: “We’ve had an extremely busy year creating inspiring new sports spaces for education providers, but we’ve seen a sharp rise in demand for additional teaching space in response to the current pandemic too. “We’re proud to be working closely with Backwell School to deliver this innovative new facility that will not only help shape the sporting skills of students, but also benefit the wider community by encouraging them to take part in more physical exercise.” Mr Jon Nunes, Headteacher at Backwell School, added: “We are very excited to see the construction beginning on our new building. It is currently a very challenging time for schools and to see the structure come together and the building take shape is providing us all with a positive focus for the future of our school. A project of such scale on a large busy school site like ours can be logistically challenging, however Collinson Construction has managed this incredibly well. “Our new building will provide state of the art facilities for our students and the local community. We will have a new fully sized sports hall and a new teaching block with five classrooms, included three science laboratories. We look forward with great anticipation to using our new curriculum spaces in 2021.” The new sports facility at Backwell School is expected to be completed May 2021.

Caddick Construction has been appointed to start work on the Warrington Youth Zone project, which will bring state-of-the-art sports and social facilities to young people from across local area. Construction will begin on the £6.9 million facility, designed by Seven Architecture, later this month. It is being delivered by national charity OnSide Youth Zones which has created a network of Youth Zones across the country. These provide unrivalled facilities for young people to go to and enjoy arts, sports, learn new skills, or just meet friends and have someone to talk to. Located in the stadium quarter next to the University Technical College (UTC) off Dallam Lane, Warrington Youth Zone will offer an indoor climbing wall, 3G kick pitch, four court sports hall, dance and drama studio, training kitchen, arts and crafts space, fully equipped gym, music room with recording studio and enterprise suite. Once fully open, more than 20 activities will be on offer for up to 250 young people every night of the week. Warrington Youth Zone will be OnSide’s 12th new Youth Zone project and follows the recently opened Hideout Youth Zone in Gorton, in East Manchester. Adam Poyner, Head of Construction for OnSide Youth Zones, said “It’s great to see another Youth Zone project join OnSide’s ever-growing network of much-needed Youth Zone facilities across the country, which provide opportunities and raise aspirations for young people from all backgrounds.” Ian Threadgold, Managing Director of Caddick Construction NW said: “The Youth Zone is specially designed to stand out and provide a visible landmark that will attract and inspire the young people who will enjoy and benefit from the many activities. It is a 21st Century facility that is so far removed from the old youth clubs we probably remember growing up with.” The project team consists of Seven Architecture, HL Engineers, Hurstwood Environmental Consulting and Walker Sime.

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed the latest phase of works on the expansion and renovation of King Edward VI School in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Comprising two phases of works led by G F Tomlinson for Staffordshire County Council under the Staffordshire Construction framework, the project involves the delivery of a new extension to an existing building, as well as the construction of a new modular building to provide essential replacement teaching spaces at the co-educational comprehensive for pupils aged 11 to 18. Phase one, which is progressing well, is expected to be complete in spring 2021, and involves the construction of a new three-storey extension on the site of a former swimming pool, which has been closed for over ten years. The extension will provide the school with enhanced teaching and auxiliary spaces, as well as an administration area on the lower ground floor, which will be the location of the school’s new student services area. Phase two started in spring this year and is now complete – works involved the demolition of the existing accommodation buildings, replacing them with a brand new standalone modern modular structure to provide enhanced science laboratory teaching facilities. This is the second contract secured by G F Tomlinson through the Staffordshire Construction framework for Staffordshire County Council, led by Entrust Property Services, and follows the successful delivery of the £5.2m Poppyfields Primary School in Cannock last summer, as part of a major housing development in the area. Building on a winning collaboration following Poppyfields Primary School, G F Tomlinson once again appointed Arc Partnership to provide architectural and engineering services for works at King Edward VI School. Ideal Modular, part of G F Tomlinson’s existing supply chain, was also appointed to deliver the modular element of this project. During the course of the construction works, G F Tomlinson has been looking to engage with both staff and students at the school. Once COVID-19 guidelines allow, the site management team will perform virtual live site tours for the school to report project progress and allow them to raise any queries they have. Chris Flint, director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are pleased to have completed the latest phase of this project for our client Staffordshire County Council. The works are providing the school with a much-needed renovation, by removing older buildings and replacing them with brand new, optimised teaching spaces and facilities. These important changes to the school will maximise the space and have a positive impact on the overall experience of both the pupils and the staff. “We continue to enjoy productive partnerships with Staffordshire County Council, Arc Partnership and Entrust Property Services, as well as all of our local supply chain partners on the framework, and look forward to seeing the next phase of the renovation at King Edward VI School progress over the coming months.” County Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Education said: “Ensuring we can meet the needs of local parents and provide enough school places to accommodate increased demand is incredibly important. Once finished, the work to King Edwards will enable the school to expand by 150 pupils by September 2021. It’s really good to see this stage of the construction completed, and it has already transformed the look of the school whilst creating extra space for staff and pupils.” John Doherty, CEO of Entrust Support Services, said: “We are delighted to have project managed the construction of the new teaching facilities at King Edward VI School. This has been a complex project which we are proud to have worked on alongside our partners G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire County Council and the school. We are confident these new spaces will support pupil’s learning for a long time to come.” Jane Rutherford, headteacher at King Edward VI School, said: “We are delighted to be moving in to our new science accommodation in November and by Easter 2021, the staff and students will also benefit from new teaching accommodation for History and refurbished areas linked to Art, Drama and Geography. “The support from Staffordshire County Council in providing 21st century facilities for our students and the partnership with the project team at Entrust has been hugely important to us. G F Tomlinson has undertaken a complex project, delivered while we have over 1500 students on site and we cannot speak highly enough of this working partnership. Our students and staff are looking forward to our new and improved working environment.” Staffordshire County Council is leading this project, with project management from ENTRUST, G F Tomlinson acting as main contractors and Arc partnership acting as architect and structural engineer.

A NEW £9 million primary school built on the former RAF Locking base and surrounding land in North Somerset has welcomed its first cohort of pupils – after construction completed in time for the 2020/21 academic year, despite setbacks caused by COVID-19. The Parklands Educate Together Primary School, in Weston-super-Mare, has been designed and built to meet the needs of staff, pupils and the local community – delivering 14 modern classrooms, a multi-use games area, main hall, hard and soft informal play areas, and a habitat area. Initially, the school will provide 420 primary school places and a self-contained pre-school, with capacity to expand to 630 places when required. Property, construction and infrastructure consultancy Perfect Circle was appointed by North Somerset Council via Scape Group’s National Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework to provide cost management and quantity surveying (QS) services for the project. Victoria Brambini, managing director of Perfect Circle, said: “We are delighted to have supported with the opening of the new Parklands Educate Together Primary School, which has created 420 much-needed school places for pupils in the local community. “Throughout the project, we worked collaboratively with contractor Willmott Dixon, which was appointed via Scape’s National Construction framework, to overcome a number of challenges, namely the coronavirus pandemic. This effective collaboration across two of Scape’s frameworks ensured that a spacious, light and innovative primary school was delivered in time for the start of the new academic year.” A temporary building to house pupils from the new, nearby housing development originally opened just around the corner from the new site in September 2018. Another provisional building was added a year later to expand the school to four classrooms. The permanent site welcomed pupils to the finished building on Monday, 7 September 2020. William Phillips, regional lead for the South West at Perfect Circle, said: “During the height of coronavirus in the UK when numerous restrictions were in place, we were uncertain whether the school was going to be ready in time for the upcoming academic year. “However, as the school had been operating out of temporary buildings for the past two years, the entire team was committed to ensuring that, despite construction taking place in the middle of a pandemic, the building would be ready to welcome pupils in September. “Credit has to go to Willmott Dixon and its supply chain for their efforts adapting to the new site operating procedures under COVID-19 restrictions, as well as the council’s internal project management team for ensuring the scheme maintained momentum. “Due to the challenging circumstances, we spent more time than usual on the scheme, getting costs agreed between the client and contractor in order to keep things moving and get the project finished on time. And, despite the COVID-19 restrictions that were implemented, the school was able to open its doors to pupils this week, which was a huge success for everyone involved, and fantastic news for the school and local community.” Scape’s BECS framework offers direct access to the most extensive property, construction and infrastructure consultancy services available to the public sector. The fully OJEU-compliant procurement route brings together the strongest collaborative team with value for money, while contributing substantially to local social value. Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive, said: “The new Parklands Educate Together primary school will significantly enhance the lives of young children and their families across the Locking Parklands community. This state-of-the-art project demonstrates the ability of the public sector to overcome the obstacles presented by Covid-19 and its ongoing commitment to supporting the economic recovery. “The delivery team at North Somerset Council, Perfect Circle and Willmott Dixon deserve an immense amount of credit for adapting to the new Covid-19 operating procedures. We’re proud that our frameworks and expert partners have helped to provide the school with an innovative learning environment for the start of the academic year.” For more information on Perfect Circle, please visit www.perfectcircle.co.uk.