Essex pupils welcomed into new net zero school

The first pupils at Limebrook Primary School are settling in after Morgan Sindall Construction’s Essex business handed the keys to Essex County Council at the start of the school year. 

The project was granted through the Essex County Council framework as part of the South Maldon Garden Suburb development – a site that boasts planning permission to deliver up to 1,000 homes, as well as retail space, green spaces and allotments, and sports and playing fields. Taylor Wimpey has been on site for five years at Handley Gardens and provided the serviced land where the school was built.

The tier one contractor has delivered 13 classrooms, a practical room, a studio, and an SEN room, accommodating 420 children in total, with the addition of a new nursery with capacity of 56 places for 0-4 year olds.

Pupils can also enjoy a large sports field, multi-use, hard-court games area, a habitat area, and wildflower meadows on-site, while parents will benefit from a car park with electric vehicle chargers.

Limebrook Primary School is set to deliver net-zero in operation by utilising Photovoltaic (PV) panels and air-source heat pumps which streamline energy efficiency, while the implemented mechanical and natural ventilation strategy and airtightness of the building retain a comfortable temperature for students and staff.

The project’s unique drive for sustainability continued from construction to completion. Through use of the data-driven tool CarboniCa, Morgan Sindall reduced carbon emissions by over 90%, utilising responsibly sourced, palm-oil-free HVO during the development work instead of diesel. By continuing Morgan Sindall’s award-winning 10 Tonne Challenge, the project saved 290.4 tonnes of CO2, which is the equivalent of heating over 107 UK homes for a whole year.

Throughout the school’s construction, the project team engaged with the local community in Maldon to deliver social value where it is most needed. This included employment of local scaffolding, brick-laying, and roofing contractors to bring the project to life.

In line with its Intelligent Solutions approach, Morgan Sindall has utilised BAMTech reinforcement which enhanced the structure’s strength and speed of construction. The school also features a steel frame with a mix of brickwork and Cedral Click cladding, boosting energy efficiency and durability.

Ryan Liversage, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Essex, said: “It is a huge accomplishment to hand over the keys to this new net-zero school. Not only has our hard work created an exceptional learning environment for Maldon’s next generation, but our sustainability initiatives continue to lead the way to a greener future for both construction and education.

“Limebrook Primary School’s success is testament to the great results of our collaboration with Essex County Council, and we can’t wait for the children to enjoy their new school in September.”

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning, and Employability, said: “This is an exciting moment for the council and the local community. The new school provides much needed school places in the area following an increase in new homes and the focus on net-zero is reflective of the council’s commitment to tackling climate change in Essex through sustainable construction. I can’t wait to hear how pupils are enjoying their new school.”

David Pelle, Land and Planning Director for Taylor Wimpey, said: “Schools, shops and other facilities are essential to creating new communities, so we are delighted to see that Limebrook Primary School is now open. We’re proud to have worked alongside Morgan Sindall at the outset of this project and it’s a testament to their expertise that it has been delivered at such high quality.

“We look forward to completing further community facilities, such as the Limebrook Sports Pavilion, in the coming months.”