The steel framework for a new city centre college campus has been completed as part of the council’s transformational Phase Two City Learning Quarter masterplan. Situated around the Old Hall Street and St George’s Parade area, incorporating a site on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street where the
Eric Wright Construction has started the building and fit out of a £22million college building for Seashell Trust in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, which will deliver specialist education facilities for students aged 16-25. The new building for Royal College Manchester is made up of a reception and specialist classrooms along with
Morgan Sindall has been selected by Blackpool Council as the main contractor on a pre-contract services agreement to build a new £65m state-of-the-art education campus in the town centre. The appointment follows a competitive tendering process through the Pagabo Framework. The Multiversity mixed-use educational development will bring up to 3,000
A primary school and bowls pavilion in a South Wales village have switched to clean, renewable heating, but in an innovative way that cannot be replicated anywhere else in Wales. Ffynnon Taf Primary School and the Pavilion at Taff’s Well Bowling Club in Taff’s Well, Wales, have had a bold
Leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy has recently delivered a new temporary classroom facility at The Bromfords Secondary School in Wickford, which was awarded through the Offsite Construction Solutions framework. It marks the latest in a series of projects aimed at addressing emergency school closures due to the prevalence of Reinforced Autoclaved
Regional sub-contractors are joining forces and providing all their time, labour, and costs for free to offer SENCO enhancement works for the Grace Academy in Coventry – as part of its vision for the future. Led by McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division and Opus Land, ‘The Big Build’ charitable
Viridis, a consortium of Equitix (infrastructure investor, developer and manager)), GRAHAM (equity and construction) and Derwent FM (facilities management), has been selected as preferred bidder and delivery partner for the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus redevelopment under a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) model. This selection
Plans for a twelve-million-pound extension at Bedford Academy have been approved, marking a significant step forward in its ambitious expansion strategy. The extension on Mile Road will see 16 state-of-the-art classrooms alongside changing rooms, a dining area, and community café added to the school’s facilities. The new classrooms will have
Mace has scooped a £184 million contract to deliver the next expansion phase at The Oxford Science Park, The Daubeny Project. The project will see the construction of three new state-of-the-art laboratory and office buildings, further cementing Oxford’s position as a world-leading centre for scientific innovation. The expansion will add
Conlon Construction has concluded a multi-year project at Wilmslow High School, facilitating a substantial increase in capacity to 360 places for the 2024/2025 academic year. Funded by Cheshire East Council and procured through the North West Construction Hub Framework, the extensive expansion permits a school transition from a 10-form to
The steel framework for a new city centre college campus has been completed as part of the council’s transformational Phase Two City Learning Quarter masterplan. Situated around the Old Hall Street and St George’s Parade area, incorporating a site on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street where the former Faces nightclub building once stood, the development is also utilising City of Wolverhampton College’s existing Metro One building. McLaughlin & Harvey has now moved onto the next stage of works – which includes floor decking installation and concrete pour on all levels, façade works and roofing – and remain on course to deliver the new state-of-the-art facility in time for the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Alongside improved Adult Education Wolverhampton and Central Library facilities, the £61 million scheme – supported by Government funding – will establish new educational provision that enhance skills and employment outcomes for residents across the city and wider region. Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “The City Learning Quarter has been a long-held ambition of the city council and fantastic progress is being made by the contractors in the creation of a vibrant education hub that will unlock future opportunities for all in the city. “We are working hard with City of Wolverhampton College to ensure we improve the city’s learning, apprenticeship and employment offers, and retain our best talent. “The steel framework alone is impressive and gives us a taste of how these new facilities will provide a vital facelift to our city centre. It will be an inspirational environment for people to learn in, also offering excellent connectivity to rail, bus, tram and cycle routes. “We will be delivering an environment where everyone can flourish, demonstrating the commitment we have to investing in our residents.” Paul Davies, Director of Finance at the college, said: “The completion of the steelwork is a significant milestone in the construction of the new city centre site which will enable us to move from the Paget Road site and welcome students to the new campus in the 2025/26 academic year. “The City Learning Quarter, including the new Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre which is due to open at the Wellington Road campus this September, will transform the learning environment for thousands of students and apprentices, provide modern teaching facilities for staff, and ensure the workforce of the future is equipped with the skills and knowledge that employers need their staff to have.” Warinder Juss, MP for Wolverhampton West, said: “The development of the City Learning Quarter to include Wolverhampton College provides exciting opportunities to not only the students of the college but will also help with the regeneration of the city centre. It is great to see the progress that has been made.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Eric Wright Construction has started the building and fit out of a £22million college building for Seashell Trust in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, which will deliver specialist education facilities for students aged 16-25. The new building for Royal College Manchester is made up of a reception and specialist classrooms along with sports and administration facilities. The building will also incorporate a café, activity hall with extended climbing wall, fitness suite, rebound room, sensory integration room and a suite of flexible multi-purpose rooms at ground floor level, with contemporary office space above and external landscaping. The building will provide 12 new classrooms and six individual teaching spaces. Seashell provides support for young people with complex disabilities and communication needs. The specially equipped college building is designed to enable staff and students to move about with the minimum of restriction. It replaces an existing building which was not fit for purpose and did not have space for the adaptations needed to accommodate many of the students, some of whom use wheelchairs and other equipment to move about. Some students also live on campus in neighbouring residential homes. Commenting on the start on site, James Eager, Director Lead from Eric Wright Construction said: “We’re really pleased to have started on the delivery of this superb new college building which will really enhance the lives of the students and staff alike. The building has gone through a painstaking design and review process in collaboration with the Trust’s teaching team, with every element of its design tailored to meet the needs of the students.” Brandon Leigh, Chief Executive at Seashell, said: “Watching the building finally start to take shape is exciting and we can’t wait to see students and staff enjoying the building very soon. The new college building will mean improved accessibility for students and will be much better at meeting the needs of the young adults with complex disabilities who come to Seashell. Seeing the building complete will be a monumental point in our history!” Eric Wright started enabling works in January and the building is expected to complete in Autumn 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall has been selected by Blackpool Council as the main contractor on a pre-contract services agreement to build a new £65m state-of-the-art education campus in the town centre. The appointment follows a competitive tendering process through the Pagabo Framework. The Multiversity mixed-use educational development will bring up to 3,000 students and staff into Blackpool town centre and allow Blackpool and the Fylde College to relocate from out-of-town facilities into a world-class campus off Cookson Street in Blackpool. Land for the development is currently being assembled with the site offering a perfect location situated next to tram, train and bus services, making it accessible to students across the Fylde Coast and beyond. The Multiversity would be leased to the College, offering more than 70 individual courses and enhancing its existing higher education provision which is directly linked to local employment needs. The Multiversity would also support a wide range of qualifications, from further education, through to higher education and adult learning. The proposed development would include two phases, starting with an education campus on the corner of Cookson Street and George Street, followed by future development across the southern end of the site by Milbourne Street and Grosvenor Street. The plans would deliver up to 32,600 sqm of education space and commercial space across several phases, starting with the new Multiversity building. Outline approval for the scheme was granted in April 2024, with a reserved matters application to follow this summer. The main campus building would be designed to be carbon-neutral in operation, with the surrounding area on George Street landscaped and pedestrianised to make it a safer environment for students and local people. The Multiversity has been designed by established architects Hawkins\Brown and aims to complement the rest of the Talbot Gateway regeneration. Steven Gregory, Morgan Sindall Construction’s North West Area Director, said: “We’re excited to be appointed to the Multiversity Campus project with Blackpool Council and the Blackpool and The Fylde College, which promises to deliver precious benefits for the local community. Once complete, the campus will boost access to advanced skills for Blackpool’s resident and support the town centre’s wider regeneration. “The Morgan Sindall team is committed to maximising the social and economic value generated during the development. This will be achieved in several ways, such as utilising local contractors and creating a Knowledge Quad to provide training and learning opportunities, such as hosting the Blackpool Community Skills Academy employability programme. We’ve also already partnered with Blackpool and The Fylde College to provide ongoing education support to help students become ‘work ready’.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A primary school and bowls pavilion in a South Wales village have switched to clean, renewable heating, but in an innovative way that cannot be replicated anywhere else in Wales. Ffynnon Taf Primary School and the Pavilion at Taff’s Well Bowling Club in Taff’s Well, Wales, have had a bold new heating system installed by Kensa, the UK-based Ground Source Heat Pump specialists, that uses naturally occurring heat from the only thermal spring in Wales – the historic Taff’s Well Spring. This unique water source heat pump system harnesses natural heat from the warm spring water, which emerges from deep beneath the earth at around 21o C, to provide the two council-owned properties with low-carbon heating and hot water. Using the innovative clean heating method instead of gas is expected to cut the school and pavilion’s carbon emissions linked to heating by close to 80%. It also demonstrated a way of using Kensa’s ground source heat pumps without drilling vertical boreholes to access heat energy stored in the ground. The bold idea of using the Taff’s Well thermal spring to heat buildings was initially proposed by the Friends of Taff’s Well community group, who were looking at other ways the historic spring could benefit the local community. This project follows other retrofit renewable heating installations completed in non-domestic buildings by Kensa. Using ground source heat pump technology the UK’s leading manufacturer and solutions provider has futureproofed heating and lowered carbon emissions caused by heat in multiple UK schools and council properties. The unique installation also highlights the versatility of Kensa’s ground source heat pump systems and forms part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Borough Council’s ambitious plans to decarbonise by 2030. How the system works: On Tuesday, 16th July, Kensa’s Dr Stuart Gadsden visited the site, along with representatives from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, to demonstrate to pupils from the Ffynon Taf Primary School’s Eco Committee how their new low-carbon heating and hot water system works. Dr Stuart Gadsden, Kensa Contracting Commercial Director, said: “This is an incredibly unique system and really demonstrates how versatile Kensa’s ground source heat pumps are. It was great to show the pupils how their exciting new heating system works and how it will reduce their carbon footprint. “Kensa has a proven track record of delivering the high efficiencies of ground source heat pump technology for numerous UK schools and local authorities, providing them with a futureproofed low-carbon heating system. “Using the historic Taff’s Well thermal spring as a renewable heat source is a brilliant example of how bold ideas can lead to something that benefits future generations. It’s something the whole community can be proud of, and we were pleased to play our part in making it happen.” Ffynnon Taf Primary School Headteacher, Kathryn Price, said: “We are very excited about how Taff’s Well Thermal Spring has been utilised for the whole school community. Our Eco Committee thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the heat pump system and how this helps to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. We will continue to celebrate the success of the thermal spring installation in our community for many years to come.” Jon Arroyo, Energy and Carbon Reduction Manager at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “We have an ambition to decarbonise the Council by 2030 and we understand there is no one solution to decarbonise our heating systems, so it is important that we look at what heat resources are around or under us. As a Council we see our role in exploring alternative solutions to help steer our businesses and residents in their journey towards a net zero future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy has recently delivered a new temporary classroom facility at The Bromfords Secondary School in Wickford, which was awarded through the Offsite Construction Solutions framework. It marks the latest in a series of projects aimed at addressing emergency school closures due to the prevalence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Using advanced offsite manufacturing capabilities and featuring its innovative temporary SmartClass® solution, McAvoy delivered a comprehensive solution to meet the school’s urgent need for classroom space. Within eight weeks, the temporary classroom facility was installed and handed over, offering a sustainable, adaptable, and safe environment for students and staff. McAvoy manufactured 42 SmartClass® modules at its 70,000 sq ft, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, with a significant proportion of the work being completed offsite. All 42 modules were installed over the course of five days. The two-storey facility, comprising six classrooms, two offices, shower and changing rooms and WCs on the ground floor, along with an additional eight classrooms and three offices on the second floor, was designed to meet the educational needs of the students and staff. Navigating the challenges posed by the school’s location within a residential area with narrow streets, McAvoy implemented a robust traffic control system to facilitate the swift and disruption-free installation of the modules. As the site was within the grounds of the existing school, McAvoy created a separate site entrance to further minimise disruption. Given the urgency from the closure of classrooms due to RAAC, McAvoy’s expedited manufacturing and installation process paved the way for the quick execution of the project. In addition to The Bromfords School project, McAvoy has recently delivered similar temporary SmartClass® solutions at educational settings across the UK, including Kingsdown School in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, Parks Primary School in Leicester, and Hockley Primary School in Essex. These projects, commissioned by the Department for Education, were instrumental in providing interim accommodation for staff and students during emergency closures due to RAAC. Glen Busby, Director of Modular Rental & Sales at McAvoy, commented, “Delivering swift and reliable temporary space solutions for schools facing emergency closures is key to ensuring the continuity of education and the safety of students and staff. Our commitment to using advanced offsite manufacturing techniques, exemplified by projects like The Bromfords School, allows us to respond quickly to challenges like these. We are proud to support educational institutions across the UK with adaptable temporary and permanent modular solutions that meet their evolving needs.” Chris King, Trust Business Manager at The Bromfords School, said: “We were impressed with McAvoy’s whole site management and excellent communication to keep us updated throughout. The use of modular construction benefited this project due to the speed of completion, and we were also able to continue with our teaching and learning while the project was underway. Any challenges were quickly resolved, and the team planned well around our normal school day to limit disruption. This included arranging deliveries around quieter periods, to reflect that the use of the main entrance needed to be used by both construction workers and our students. The overall impression of the temporary classroom facility is that it will benefit our students with its large, spacious and bright areas.” For more information on McAvoy Group, please visit: www.mcavoygroup.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Regional sub-contractors are joining forces and providing all their time, labour, and costs for free to offer SENCO enhancement works for the Grace Academy in Coventry – as part of its vision for the future. Led by McLaren Construction’s Midlands and North division and Opus Land, ‘The Big Build’ charitable programme of works will deliver brand-new classrooms and sensory facilities, enriching the lives of students at the Academy who are in desperate need of these spaces. McLaren Construction Midlands and North and Opus Land have been supported in this community project by our designers who helped provide the vision for this scheme; Architect – Webb Gray, Structural Engineer – SBK, Mechanical & Electrical Engineers – CPW and Landscaper – Whiting’s, who are also providing all the landscape and raised beds works. The works will include a complete refurbishment and remodelling of existing classrooms to form larger teaching spaces and a new sensory room with access to outside spaces. New walls, ceilings and floorings will also be installed, complemented by new LED lighting, heating, security, and fire alarm systems. The dedicated space will allow a new environment for student needs, offering room for small group intervention and 1-2-1 support with internal staff and external agencies. The school enhancements will ensure students with special educational and emotional needs can be as fully equipped as possible for success. Works will take place from 22 July until Friday 2 August, and the academy will be holding an opening ceremony to celebrate and view the new spaces on 2 September. Head of Grace Academy, Natasha Whiles, said: “We are so grateful that this space and build has allowed us to really take the time to consider the individual needs of some of our most vulnerable learners. We’ve really enjoyed working alongside McLaren Construction Midlands and North and all parties involved, to develop the space which otherwise would be completely unaffordable. We’re looking forward to the new facilities helping special educational and emotional needs students work towards their limitless potential through ‘The Grace Way’.” Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Shaun Colley, said: “The Big Build works at Grace Academy will provide state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities to improve the lives of the current and future intake of students and we are proud to be part of this fantastic project. “We commend all of the designers and contractors who have committed to supporting this project and it’s been an honour to be part of this process and driving it forwards for such a worthy school in the region. “I would like to thank the below contractors personally, without you none of this would have been possible, thank you.” Joint Managing Director of Opus Land, Richard Smith, said: “We are most grateful to McLaren Construction Midlands and North and all of 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.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Viridis, a consortium of Equitix (infrastructure investor, developer and manager)), GRAHAM (equity and construction) and Derwent FM (facilities management), has been selected as preferred bidder and delivery partner for the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus redevelopment under a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) model. This selection followed a competitive tendering process and represents an important step towards a significant upgrade of the University’s student accommodation offering. The University and Viridis consortium will now work together to further develop its DBFO delivery plans with the aim of reaching financial close by summer 2025. The redevelopment will create modern, high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus. It forms part of a phased redevelopment to increase the supply of modern bedrooms and student socialising spaces to provide a supportive residential experience. The University of Manchester’s proposal to redevelop the Fallowfield Campus to provide more high-quality, modern student accommodation was approved by Manchester City Council Planning and Highways Committee in January 2024. The approved plans encompass the redevelopment of Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall to meet the demand for student bedrooms in inclusive, safe and sociable surroundings. Located near the University’s main buildings, the site is well-connected and provides students with a wide range of support services to ensure a world-class student experience. On completion, the wider Fallowfield campus will offer up to 5,400 student beds by replacing the existing older accommodation on-site and delivering 3,300 updated bedrooms to meet the growing demand for high-quality, modern bedrooms across the popular campus. The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases. Demolition of Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings, which have been closed for several years, is ongoing and due to complete early in 2025. Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, University of Manchester said: ‘We are delighted to have reached another key milestone in the progression of our plans for the Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment with the selection of Viridis as preferred bidder and our delivery partner. Clearly, there remains a lot of work to do in order to reach financial close on this exciting programme by summer 2025. ‘As we have said previously, these plans show our commitment to providing our new and returning students with modern, high-quality accommodation. This much needed update to one of our most popular student campuses will help us to continue to meet the needs of our student population by delivering well-connected, serviced, modern accommodation in a supportive and inclusive environment. ‘As we progress, we will continue to work with our Fallowfield neighbours and local neighbourhood managers so that both our students and the surrounding community can benefit as much as possible from the redevelopment project.’ Achal Bhuwania, Equitix CIO said: ‘Delighted that an Equitix consortium has been selected to support the University of Manchester in its next stage of growth and development, to provide a world-class student living experience. This is further testament to the proven capabilities and commitment to UK greenfield infrastructure as well as supporting British supply chain partners. This win was achieved through our relentless focus on building trust and long-lasting relationships as well as providing best in class solutions with core focus on sustainability and value for money.’ GRAHAM CEO, Andrew Bill said: ‘GRAHAM is delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Manchester to deliver its vision for the Fallowfield Residences Redevelopment Programme. Together, we will focus on creating an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the University’s next generation of students.’ The University of Manchester advisors for the Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment Programme are: RLB, CBRE, Student First Group, QMPF and Pinsent Masons. The Viridis advisors are: Sheppard Robson (design), Operis (financial and accounting), Osborne Clarke (legal and tax), Howdens (insurance) and WSP (technical) To view further information and to receive updates on the project, please visit the project website at Fallowfield student campus Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a twelve-million-pound extension at Bedford Academy have been approved, marking a significant step forward in its ambitious expansion strategy. The extension on Mile Road will see 16 state-of-the-art classrooms alongside changing rooms, a dining area, and community café added to the school’s facilities. The new classrooms will have a bright, safe and simple design, with whiteboards and ICT facilities, catering for an additional 300 students. Following the extension, Bedford Academy is set to be one of the largest secondary schools in Bedford Borough, with ambitious plans to reach a total of 1,800 pupils by 2029. The two-storey extension will operate to high energy efficiency levels with ‘U Values’ that ensure minimal heat loss through the facade of the building, as well as designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon in Operation. Multi-disciplinary firm Pick Everard, operating through Perfect Circle and accelerated under the SCAPE Consultancy framework, has been appointed by Bedford Borough Council to project manage the scheme, alongside GSSArchitecture and Ashe Construction. Sean Conneely, director of project management at Pick Everard, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to provide much-needed additional pupil places and facilities for the children of Bedford and the local community. “Working collaboratively with the design and construction team, we have engaged with user groups to influence the design, and we will deliver a ‘Net Zero Carbon in Operation’ sustainable building ready for use in September 2025.” The versatility and flexibility of the space will allow Bedford Academy to function as a community hub outside of school learning hours for football, basketball, badminton, faith groups and dance schools. The multi-use space will also include a kitchen, dining hall and community cafe with Wi-Fi and will be open to parents and visitors during evening and weekend activities, with space for up to 300 people in one sitting. Chris Chapman, partner at GSS, said: “The building and materials have been carefully chosen to provide a modern and contemporary addition to Bedford Academy. “We have listened to students, staff and local community groups to ensure that we have designed a modern sustainable building set in the heart of the local community, and we are looking forward to seeing it progress in the future.” A silent study area and office spaces for staff to work will be also included and 300 student lockers will be installed. 20 new car parking spaces, disabled parking and four electric vehicle spaces will be created. The school will also add 77 new cycle spaces to encourage sustainable travel to school. The project is expected to be completed for the 25/26 school year. Bedford Academy, which is part of the HEART Academies Trust, has a reputation for promoting high standards and good relationships with all members of the local community to ensure that everyone can reach their full potential. In addition to the educational work, the relationship between Pick Everard and Bedford Borough Council has also seen it undertake cross-sector operations in the region, with healthcare centres, heritage works, residential, and commercial projects amongst its portfolio, alongside the new railway station in Wixams. 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
Mace has scooped a £184 million contract to deliver the next expansion phase at The Oxford Science Park, The Daubeny Project. The project will see the construction of three new state-of-the-art laboratory and office buildings, further cementing Oxford’s position as a world-leading centre for scientific innovation. The expansion will add 400,500 sq ft of premium laboratory and office space to the park, addressing the critical demand for high-quality facilities in the thriving life sciences sector. The Oxford Science Park is majority-owned by Magdalen College, Oxford, and is at the heart of its strategy to support discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship. The new buildings are designed with sustainability and occupant well-being as primary considerations, featuring biodiverse landscaping, extensive photo-voltaic energy generation and optimised building orientation for natural light and energy efficiency. Mace, in collaboration with the client and the design team, has been working to ensure that sustainability translates into the build, using innovative ground engineering solutions that will save around 3000 tonnes of embodied carbon. The facades will also be the largest use of recycled aluminium for a stick curtain wall project in the UK, saving over 500 tonnes of embodied carbon. These solutions demonstrate Mace’s ability to add value beyond traditional construction services and deliver its vision to build sustainable communities. Rory Maw, CEO of The Oxford Science Park, commented: “Mace’s knowledge and expertise in large-scale construction projects will be crucial to helping us deliver The Daubeny Project, our most ambitious development to date. “These new high-performance laboratory and office buildings will offer much needed space for life science and biotech companies to scale and allow them to benefit from being located at the heart of Oxford’s thriving innovation ecosystem.” Robert Lemming, Managing Director, Public Sector and Life Sciences, Mace Construct said: “The Oxford Science Park is home to some of the most forward thinking and innovative companies, and these new cutting-edge facilities will help unlock ground-breaking research that people will rely on for decades to come. “As our population grows and ages, more sites like these will be needed to meet the pressing demand for high-quality laboratory space, and at The Oxford Science Park we are setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Conlon Construction has concluded a multi-year project at Wilmslow High School, facilitating a substantial increase in capacity to 360 places for the 2024/2025 academic year. Funded by Cheshire East Council and procured through the North West Construction Hub Framework, the extensive expansion permits a school transition from a 10-form to 12-form entry, elevating its capacity to new heights. The project encompassed a diverse range of enhancements, including a striking single-storey 1500m² extension to the main school building alongside extensive internal remodelling. Externally, upgrades to car parks, a new drop-off area, and the construction of a cutting-edge 1500m² sports barn are set to enhance the school’s overall sports amenities and visitor experience. Internally, a key highlight of the project lies in the transformative redesign of the technology department, which features a central corridor linking various teaching areas while seamlessly integrating with the newly constructed extension. Darren Lee, commercial director at Conlon Construction, said: “This multifaceted project necessitated seamless collaboration among our teams, on-site staff, Cheshire East Council, and neighbouring residents. The journey to completion underscores the strength of our partnerships, adeptly addressing any complexities and the logistical challenges of systematically closing parts of the school, to ultimately ensure minimal disruption to students’ experiences. “Our extensive education experience equips us with a deep understanding of fundamental best practice principles and the importance of meeting critical deadlines. It has been immensely rewarding to deliver a project that bolsters the capacity of this highly sought-after high school.” Ruth Powley, headteacher at Wilmslow High School, said: “It’s been a long challenging project, but we are really delighted with the outcomes for our students and the Wilmslow community. Conlon Construction have been great to work with, and we’ve enjoyed collaborating with them on this significant improvement to our school environment. Claire Williamson, Cheshire East Council’s director of education, strong start and integration, said: “This is really good news for families in Cheshire East – and delivers an additional 300 pupil places on site at Wilmslow High School. “Enhancing education provision in the borough is one of the council’s key priorities and it is very pleasing to see this substantial and complex multi-million-pound project come to successful fruition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
