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
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
BDP and the University of Cambridge have unveiled ambitious plans to restore the Grade II listed History Faculty Building, which is also the home of the Seeley Library. This landmark project will restore and revitalise one of the iconic ‘Red Trilogy’ – the triumvirate of highly significant university buildings designed
Plans for a skills and cyber campus of national significance in Blackburn have officially been lodged. A planning application submitted by Maple Grove Blackburn – a joint venture between Maple Grove Developments and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – is seeking planning permission for the first phase of the works,
Willmott Dixon has been selected by Bridgend College for the £60 million project to build its new Town Centre Campus development. The College is relocating from its current base at Cowbridge Road Campus to a site previously occupied by the former Police Station and a multi-storey car park at Cheapside,
Caddick Construction has grown its further education portfolio with an appointment to build a new 24,000 sq ft extension at Loreto Sixth Form College in Hulme, a project that will accommodate 264 new students. Work is now underway on the new three-storey campus building, which is being constructed on Moss
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
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
BDP and the University of Cambridge have unveiled ambitious plans to restore the Grade II listed History Faculty Building, which is also the home of the Seeley Library. This landmark project will restore and revitalise one of the iconic ‘Red Trilogy’ – the triumvirate of highly significant university buildings designed in the 1960s by prominent, post-war architect, James Stirling. The project presents a once in a generation opportunity to provide a new range of enhanced learning and working environments at the heart of the University’s Sidgwick site while improving the building’s accessibility, safety and comfort and provide a new range of learning and working environments at the heart of the University’s Sidgwick site. The comprehensive refurbishment will safeguard the use and enjoyment of the building; repairing and upgrading building fabric and replacing services to improve thermal comfort, while introducing a range of carbon saving and climate resilient measures. The project has followed a meticulous conservation-led approach that embraces the value, significance and distinctive character of the building while recognising the need for change to meet contemporary requirements. After considering the multiple adaptations to the building, careful judgements have been made about the recovery and reinstatement of materials and details. In conjunction with an approach to new and repaired fabric, this project will breathe new life into the building, making its architectural value more tangible. A key driver for the project is to meet equality, diversity and inclusion goals. Critically, the project will significantly improve step-free access throughout the building, including external terraces, to ensure equitable entry and circulation for all users. Internal treatments will also provide a more comfortable range of environments, recognising the needs of a broader spectrum of people. Construction is due to start from 2025, subject to university approvals, including a Grace to Regent House, and planning and listed building consent approvals from Cambridge City Council. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a skills and cyber campus of national significance in Blackburn have officially been lodged. A planning application submitted by Maple Grove Blackburn – a joint venture between Maple Grove Developments and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – is seeking planning permission for the first phase of the works, including two new contemporary buildings with landscaping and a public realm. The development has been earmarked for the former Blackburn Market site in Brown Street and is part of the £250 million Blackburn Town Centre Masterplan – a blueprint for town centre development developed by BDP to transform the area, including the land where the Thwaites Brewery historically stood. The application for the Blackburn cyber campus seeks full permission for the first building together with the public realm and new urban greenspace. Outline planning permission is also being sought for the second building – both being very similar in design to those within the neighbouring Cathedral Quarter development. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has successfully secured £20m of Levelling Up Funding towards the scheme and is in discussion with UCLAN for its training company, Training 2000 (T2000) to expand and re-locate to the development and occupy the first building. Growth Director at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Simon Jones, said: “This is an opportunity for us to bring thousands of learners into our town centre every single year to enjoy state-of-the-art facilities. We’re already in talks with UCLAN to relocate and expand their Training 2000 offer here, and what an opportunity this is.” The masterplan is part of the Council’s £1bn vision for the future – delivering on its commitment to create a more prosperous borough where no one is left behind. It’s the anchor of a wider Blackburn Growth Axis with the ability to support 100,000 jobs across the borough – positioning it as an important, regional economic centre. Also part of the Blackburn Business Innovation District – where the new development will be based – is St John’s Church with planning permission secured to transform the fire-hit building into an Innovation Hub with works proposed to commence in 2025. Linked to the neighbouring The Making Rooms and Blackburn College’s already strong cyber capabilities, it’s part of the Council’s drive to unlock the opportunities that the re-location of the National Cyber HQ to neighbouring Samlesbury will bring. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has been selected by Bridgend College for the £60 million project to build its new Town Centre Campus development. The College is relocating from its current base at Cowbridge Road Campus to a site previously occupied by the former Police Station and a multi-storey car park at Cheapside, in the heart of Bridgend. The new 13,000 m² development, which Willmott Dixon was procured to build under the SEWSCAP 3 framework, will target net zero in operation when completed in the summer of 2026. Encompassing two new buildings, it includes a 200-seat theatre, hair and beauty salons, recording and dance studios, design workshops, flexible meeting spaces and more. Willmott Dixon is teaming up with Rio Architects on the new campus, providing exceptional teaching and learning facilities for a wide range of courses for post-16-year-old education in Bridgend. It represents one of the biggest-ever investments in Bridgend for the training of young people and members of the community who need to retrain and gain valuable employability skills. Neal Stephens, managing director for Willmott Dixon in Wales: “We are delighted to be chosen for this transformational project in Bridgend. With a strong presence across south Wales, it follows our work to deliver the Police Learning Centre for South Wales Police in Bridgend, which was completed three years ago. “Just like then, our focus will be on supporting the ‘local pound’ by using regional supply chain partners where possible and working with students at Bridgend College to support their own learning journeys.” The redevelopment is partly funded by the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning programme and will play a key role in the regeneration of Bridgend Town Centre, supporting local businesses and utilising public transport links into the town. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has grown its further education portfolio with an appointment to build a new 24,000 sq ft extension at Loreto Sixth Form College in Hulme, a project that will accommodate 264 new students. Work is now underway on the new three-storey campus building, which is being constructed on Moss Road West adjacent to the existing campus on Chichester Road South. Planning permission for the expansion was secured in September last year, following which Caddick Construction undertook a series of preparatory works under a pre-construction services agreement. With an emphasis on environmental sustainability and minimising operational carbon, the new campus building will have 39.8% of its electrical demands met by renewable sources. Features include air source heat pumps, solar panels, passive ventilation systems and night cooling. Sustainable forms of transport will also be encouraged as part of the campus investment with the introduction of EV charging and bike storage for 100 bikes. The new building will sit alongside the existing college building, with facilities to enhance the learning environment and curriculum delivery. These include 20 classrooms, a lecture theatre with a seating capacity of 200 and a new study centre. The work will also include partial refurbishment of existing college buildings with new science labs, new catering facilities and a 110 sq m outdoor canopied seating area. A science garden and landscaped reflection spaces will also be created to maximise the use of green space. Throughout the building work, Caddick Construction will work with Loreto College to ensure the students are engaged in the project, including opportunities to complement the teaching curriculum. Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North West, commented: “Education projects are a chance to make a real difference. Loreto College has taken on an ambitious project to not only bring more students into the college, but to offer them the very best education. To do so while also investing in ways to operate more sustainably is a testament to the quality of education Loreto provides. We are very proud to be delivering the college’s vision and look forward to working closely with them as the project progresses.”Michael Jaffrain, Principal at Loreto College, added: “We are excited about the opportunities this expansion brings and to maximise our green space for biodiversity and air quality.” The project was procured through the NHS Shared Business Services Public Sector Construction Works Framework, which covers all types of building and construction works, providing the NHS and the wider public sector a compliant route to market for construction works. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
