Grace Academy School in Coventry celebrated the opening of its upgraded facilities in a community launch ceremony this week with Ireland International football player, Andrew Townsend, in attendance. Regional contractors joined forces to carry out ‘The BIG Build’ charitable programme of works over the summer at Grace Academy and the event brought together members of the school and all suppliers to unveil brand-new classroom facilities and sensory spaces which will enrich the lives of students. Attendees enjoyed a tour of the enhancement works, live music, canapes and a speech from Andrew Townsend. McLaren Construction Midlands and North division and Opus Land led the community project which has been supported by Architect – Webb Gray, Structural Engineer – SBK, Mechanical & Electrical Engineers – CPW and Landscaper – Whiting’s, who provided the landscape and raised beds works. The works have included a complete refurbishment and remodelling of existing classrooms to form larger teaching and sensory spaces, alongside access to the outside. New walls, ceilings and floorings have also been installed, complemented by new LED lighting, heating, security and fire alarm systems. The newly reconfigured environments will offer room for small group intervention and 1-2-1 support, with internal staff and external agencies ensuring students with special educational and emotional needs can be as fully equipped as possible for success. Head of Grace Academy, Natasha Whiles, said: “We are so incredibly grateful and blessed with the new facilities. It’s such an improvement on our old facilities – and I can’t wait to see the student’s faces when they come in and see their new space, and just how amazing it looks.” Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Shaun Colley, said: “We are proud to have led this community project with Opus Land with the support of regional contractors – giving back to this incredible academy. “The ceremony was a fantastic event, showcasing state-of-the-art classrooms and new spaces within the existing school that will improve the lives of the current and future intake of students. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the designers and contractors who committed to supporting this project alongside everyone who attended in celebrating the programme.” Joint Managing Director of Opus Land, Richard Smith, said: “We are most grateful to McLaren Construction and all the other companies involved in the BIG Build for their tremendous generosity here. “Opus originally got involved in The Grace Academy through their development of the nearby Prospero estate on the Ansty Business Park and soon came to realise the tremendous results that the school fulfils for the local community. It was wonderful to celebrate the new improvements to the Grace Academy which will enhance the lives of so many.” McLaren Construction Midlands and North serves both the public and private sectors in core areas including commercial offices, residential, education, retail, distribution and logistics, hotels, and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bouygues UK and Stanmore College hosted a well-attended Groundbreaking ceremony on 12 September to celebrate the start of construction of the new college. Distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Harrow Salim Chowdhury, London Borough of Harrow Deputy Leader Marilyn Ashton and Councillor Zak Wagman, as well as representatives from Harrow Council and The Department for Education (DfE) attended the ceremony, highlighting the significance of this transformative project. Bouygues UK has been appointed by the DfE to undertake the construction of the new Stanmore College under the CF21 Framework. Funded by the DfE’s Further Education Improvement Programme, the project involves the reconfiguration of the college’s existing site, replacing four outdated buildings with four state-of-the-art new builds. The construction is set to be completed by summer 2027. Bouygues UK brings a proven track record of delivering high-quality, sustainable, and inspiring learning environments. Utilising its standardised ‘kit of parts’ approach for the build, the contractor aims to integrate net-zero principles to ensure flexibility, affordability, sustainability, reduced ongoing maintenance, and certainty of price and programme. In alignment with their commitment to the education sector, Bouygues UK will induct its first cohort of T Level students into Design Surveying and Planning internships. Developed in collaboration with the social enterprise Class Of Your Own, these internships are part of the award-winning “Design Engineer Construct!” learning programme, which immerses future professionals in cutting-edge projects. Phillippa Prongué, Managing Director for London and the South East at Bouygues UK, expressed her enthusiasm for the project in her welcome speech: “We’re excited to reach this milestone and be part of this important project for the DfE. The new facility will transform the campus and provide a great learning environment for future students. Our approach will ensure that the build is both sustainable and adaptable, meeting the educational needs of today while being mindful of future demands. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the local community.” Stanmore College Principal, Annette Cast, also shared her vision: “Stanmore College will provide a state-of-the-art inclusive learning campus in the heart of the Stanmore community that will ensure all local people can benefit from the best possible education and training to enable them to achieve the best employability skills.  The College will be an educational hub providing a unique educational destination for local people to acquire the relevant skills, training and education to support them to access and build their career ambitions. The learning campus will be a flexible and accessible place where staff, students, employers and stake holders can gather, interrogate, learn, gain skills and progress as well as become a lifetime member of an inclusive learning community.” The Mayor of Harrow Salim Chowdhury stated that: “Stanmore College has always been a cornerstone in the community.  Redevelopment will enhance in that role and will finally place the College in the heart of Stanmore and beyond.” The groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in the journey towards creating a cutting-edge educational environment at Stanmore College, underscoring the collaborative efforts and shared commitment of all stakeholders involved. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Aston University is thrilled to announce the acquisition of the landmark 10 Woodcock Street building, previously owned by Birmingham City Council.  This strategic expansion will accommodate several of Aston University’s world-renowned schools and strategic initiatives, further solidifying the University’s commitment to innovation, business excellence, sustainability and community engagement in line with its bold 2030 Strategy. Originally opened by Birmingham City Council in 2011 as the second-largest purpose-built office building in Birmingham, 10 Woodcock Street was designed by Associated Architects and spans 8,000 square meters. The building served as the city council’s flagship site, housing over 3,000 staff members.  The building’s outstanding design and functionality have earned it numerous awards, including the National BCO Test of Time Award in 2017, National and Regional BCO Awards in 2013 and the Built in Quality Award in 2012. It also holds a BREEAM Excellent rating, reflecting its strong sustainability credentials. The newly acquired building will serve as a dynamic hub for several key schools and initiatives, including the globally recognised Aston Business School, Aston Law School, Aston Vision Sciences and the new state-of-the-art Aston Integrated Healthcare Hub.  The building will also house the Aston Business Incubator, which will open its doors to the most innovative tech businesses in Birmingham and the surrounding region. The new Aston Integrated Healthcare Hub will offer comprehensive preventative health and wellbeing services and will showcase the latest advancements in digital healthcare technology including a digital centre for remote patient monitoring. The hub will adopt an innovative ‘living lab’ concept by embedding research, training and student placements.  The Healthcare Hub will serve not only Aston University’s staff and students, but also the wider Birmingham community, underscoring the University’s commitment to improving public health outcomes. The new home of the ‘triple crown accredited’ Aston Business School will include the new Aston University CEO Academy and Executive Education Lounge, as well as contemporary business simulation labs (including the cutting-edge trading simulation lab and fintech lab).  The contemporary staff and student facilities will include a new restaurant and several social spaces for engagement and meetings, self-study and digitally enabled group work. Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, Professor Aleks Subic, expressed excitement about the acquisition:  “The purchase of 10 Woodcock Street represents a significant milestone in Aston University’s development.  “This world-class facility will provide a unified home for our internationally renowned Aston Business School, Aston Law School, Vision Sciences and our game changing Integrated Healthcare Hub, while also supporting the next generation of tech entrepreneurs through our Aston Business Incubator.  “This move aligns with our vision to drive innovation, support business growth and deliver impactful research and education that transform lives and drive inclusive growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bouygues UK has been appointed as lead contractor to build a new secondary school for the Department of Education in Grove, Oxfordshire. St John’s Academy, a £28.2 million project for Vale Academy Trust, will be built alongside the already completed primary school in Grove on the Wellington Gate Development, and will be the first all-through school (Nursery to Year 11) in the local area, teaching around 600 pupils. As part of its commitment to both education and sustainability, Bouygues UK will use sustainable, low carbon materials as part of the build, including a cross-laminated timber frame. It will use an enhanced quality construction approach through consistent off-site manufacturing, to reduce waste and defects. The two-storey building will feature a green roof with photovoltaic panels. The grass playing fields and MUGA will also have extensive SUDs (sustainable draining systems) featuring attenuation, swales and porous parking areas. The buildings will also be clad in brickwork and timber panelling with feature aluminium framed entrances. John Boughton, Bouygues UK’s Managing Director for Wales and the South West, said the project is a significant one for the Bouygues UK team, which is committed to building sustainable, low carbon schools. John said: “Bouygues UK is dedicated to building low carbon, energy-efficient structures with sustainability at the centre and we’re so pleased to be building St John’s Academy CE. Local communities are also at the heart of construction projects like these, and our St John’s Academy CE project will also use locally sourced labour and materials to build a fantastic school for children in Grove.” Rick Holroyd, Executive Headteacher at St John’s academy said: “‘We are delighted to be working in partnership with Bouygues UK on the design and build of this amazing school building. Our vision for the new academy is that this wonderful new school will sit at the heart of the emerging Wellington Gate community and, will not only offer outstanding educational provision for local secondary students, but will also offer opportunities and services to meet the needs of all family members within the new community. We are confident that Bouygues UK will deliver a state-of-the-art building which will meet the educational, social and recreational needs of community members of all ages for many years to come.” Other Bouygues UK projects within Wales and the South West region include the exciting new Cotswolds Designer Outlet, the landmark Pentre Awel development in Llanelli and the regeneration of 71/72 Kingsway in Swansea. Bouygues UK is also a supplier of both Southern Construction Framework’s (SCF) 5th generation SCF Construct Framework for the South West, on contracts of £4m+, and the DfE CF21 Framework in the South and West Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A BRAND-NEW specialist school for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs has completed in Shepshed, Leicestershire, offering facilities for students aged 4-16 from September 2024. Bowman Academy, which is situated on the former site of St Botolph’s Primary School, located to the east of Shepshed on Loughborough Road, will see pupils benefit from a range of facilities to suit their needs. This includes classroom suites with vinyl areas to support practical learning, a sensory “dark room”, practical teaching spaces including a domestic kitchen, a library, a calming room, and a main hall with a demountable stage. The new build SEND school, which has been designed sympathetically to the needs of SEMH learning, has space for 64 pupils, with facilities for 16 primary-aged children across two ground floor classrooms, with the remaining 48 secondary-aged pupils split across two ground floor classrooms, and a further four on the first floor. The first floor also has an additional three classrooms for practical uses. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard was behind the scheme, providing architectural services for main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, which was procured by the Department for Education (DfE) under the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC1) framework. Joe West, associate at Pick Everard, said: “Working on SEND schools is always a privilege, with unique design applications and special consideration for the needs of a diverse range of learning. “Creating an environment that is both functional and comfortable for pupils was central to the aims of the project, which should in turn aid the school in attracting and retaining students in the area. “The construction technique employed on this project was a fully offsite solution, so thorough sequencing and planning was paramount to ensure all materials were delivered safely and successfully, as well as meeting the highest standards. “We’re delighted to have worked alongside Bowmer + Kirkland once again to deliver this fantastic academy for pupils in the area with SEMH needs.” Driving sustainability initiatives, Bowman Academy’s design includes a ‘fabric-first’ approach, which reduces the energy requirements of the building through measures including high levels of insulation, heat recovery and air tightness. High efficiency boilers have been installed at the school, which will be run by the Community Inclusive Trust (CIT), as well as LED lighting with occupancy and daylight controls for resource management. The building also has glare control and sustainable natural ventilation, providing a low energy cost solution. Additionally, the site includes a photovoltaic panel array, providing a ten per cent energy consumption offset from renewable technology. Steve Waldron, contracts manager at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “We have been working for the DfE since 2013 and are proud of the 73 schools we have completed, but specialist schools are unique in the enormous difference they make to the pupils and their families. We are delighted to continue our relationship with Pick Everard to deliver another fantastic facility which will improve the lives of so many young people.” Cllr Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for Children and Families at Leicestershire County Council, said: “It is exciting to see the school completed and we’re looking forward to it opening and welcoming new pupils. “The building of Bowman Academy part of a wider program to ensure provision is available to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Leicestershire, as close to their homes as possible.  “This includes both the building of special schools and creating provision in mainstream schools.” James Ellis, CIT’s director of SEND education, said, “This is a very exciting time for Bowman Academy. SEMH is a unique sector of education requiring distinctive building design to support the delivery of specialist teaching and care for pupils. “We look forward to welcoming children in Shepshed and the surrounding area to our new setting and supporting them to develop the knowledge and skills they need to help them thrive in adult life.” The project at Bowman Academy builds on further work from Pick Everard in Shepshed, following its key role in the £2.5m regeneration of its town centre in March. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Fife College has welcomed Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth MSP and Minister for Higher and Further Education, Graeme Dey MSP, to the site of the College’s new Dunfermline Campus (16 August). Joined by representatives from the Scottish Funding Council, the Education Secretary and Minister were given a tour of the new campus which is set to open later next year. Construction partners Balfour Beatty showed the group the latest progress as work on the site continues at pace, using the latest low-energy and net-zero construction processes to ensure the building is net-zero ready. The build is part of the new Dunfermline Learning Campus – an innovative, integrated and collaborative venture to relocate the College’s Dunfermline Campus, St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School to a purpose-built and state-of-the-art new campus. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “It is important that students are able to access opportunities to further education easily and effectively as possible. It is also crucial that their learning environments are fit for the future and support Scotland’s net zero ambitions. That is why the Scottish Government is providing up to £154.5 million in capital investment to support Fife College’s vision for Dunfermline Learning Campus. “I have no doubt that these state-of-the-art facilities will be a huge asset for students in supporting the development of their skills, whilst playing an important role in supporting the economy of both the local area and wider across Scotland.” Jim Metcalfe, Principal of Fife College, said: “Fife College has a close working partnership with our new neighbours of St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School. We’re delighted to work with them, and other schools across the region, to build a student-centred, innovative pathway for learners to move seamlessly from school, to college, and on to work and further study. “The significant investment that the Scottish Government and the Funding Council are making into our new campus, at a time of financial challenge across the public sector, is an invaluable commitment to driving the College and regional economy forward.” Martin Boyle, Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said: “As Scotland’s tertiary education funding body, we’re committed to making it as easy as possible to navigate the pathways between school, college and university. “The Dunfermline Learning Campus will be unique in its ability to support people as they develop their potential from secondary school onwards, and go on to contribute to society and the economy. “As a modern, flexible and low carbon campus, it will also be at the forefront of exciting changes around where and how we learn, and will become a fantastic asset to the Fife region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals