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Leading modular manufacturer supports record number of students

Premier Modular, a leading offsite manufacturer, is celebrating a record-breaking year for providing hire buildings to the education sector, increasing its turnover threefold compared to the previous year.

During the 2023/4 period, the company has successfully supported nearly 5,700 students across the country through the provision of 22,500m2 of temporary classroom space. This is the equivalent to the size of over 80 tennis courts across 20 schools, ranging from primary up to university, for up to three years.

Premier Modular has played a central role in helping schools and educational estates achieve their building improvement goals in line with the School Rebuilding Programme and in response to growing student intake numbers.

Over the last academic year, the company provided over 120 standard classrooms and 70 specialist classrooms (a total of 1,300 modules), in addition to libraries and high specification SEND classrooms.

Each project was delivered in a matter of weeks, and the temporary classrooms ensured high quality environments that minimised disruption to student learning. With major works undertaken across estates, the rental buildings ensured that construction work didn’t disrupt day-to-day learning, improved safety outcomes and allowed the long-term works to continue uninterrupted.

Modular classrooms also play a crucial role in assisting schools to meet government-mandated sustainability goals. Able to be re-used and repurposed once their initial use is complete, the buildings create a circular economy that minimises the embodied carbon of the education sector as a whole.

Mark Rooney, Rental Divisional Director, Premier Modular, said: “We’re extremely proud to have contributed to the learning experience of thousands of students over the last year. Our record achievement for the number of hire buildings to the education sector reflects a commitment to supporting the upcoming generation with adaptable learning spaces when they’re needed most, whilst ensuring that schools are on track to reach sustainability targets by creating a circular economy.”

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The built environment is responsible for approximately 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. This staggering statistic underscores the urgent need for change within our industry. At Zentia, we are working hard to reduce our impact on the environment as much as possible and help in the journey towards a better future.

Our comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report details our ongoing efforts and ambitious targets to significantly reduce our environmental impact and support the global drive towards Net Zero by 2050.

 

What we have achieved so far

In our ceiling tile manufacturing process, we repurpose 1,400 tonnes of pre-consumer waste, sourced from local suppliers. That is the equivalent to the weight of approximately 12 blue whales! When newspaper production was in decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic and growing trends of online readership compared to traditional print, we reviewed our manufacturing process and now we also incorporate 200 tonnes of pre-consumer egg cartons into our ceiling tiles, the equivalent of 16 cruise ship anchors.

Our recycling initiatives extend beyond our manufacturing process. Members of our award-winning Pinnacle Partnership Scheme gain access to our off-cut recycling scheme, allowing them to return tile off-cuts to our factory in Gateshead. These off-cuts are then reintroduced into our manufacturing process to create new tiles, promoting a circular economy.

We aim to conserve as much water as possible by also recycling the water used in our manufacturing processes.

Our commitment to ESG goes beyond just our environmental impact. As members of the North East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, we are passionate about apprenticeships and retaining core skills within our local area. This initiative helps to ensure a skilled and competent workforce for the future.

Our promises and targets

Zentia’s journey from Armstrong Ceilings to an independent UK manufacturer marks the beginning of our focused ESG efforts. By 2025, we aim for all UK-made products to be covered by single product-level Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). We predict that 91.8% of our products will be manufactured in the UK by then. To ensure accuracy and transparency, we have started measuring resource usage at the product level and are working with BRE to enhance the value of our EPDs.

We have set a target to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025, supported by £4.5 million investment and various process improvement projects. Our commitment to providing transparent information about our sustainability credentials will help us gain recognition in the market.

Health and safety best practices are also integral to our operations at Zentia. We strive for zero recordable incidents across our business, reflecting our responsibility towards our people and our dedication to creating a sustainable business environment.

We are proud of the strides we have made and remain dedicated to achieving our ambitious targets, ensuring a positive impact on the environment, our community, and the industry as a whole.

For more detail CLICK HERE to see our report

 

 

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Morgan Sindall Construction hands over SEND school at Alconbury Weald

Morgan Sindall Construction’s Cambridgeshire business has successfully delivered the brand new £36 million Specialist Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) school, Prestley Wood Academy, located at the heart of the Alconbury Weald development in Huntingdon.

Delivered on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council, Prestley Wood Academy now has the capabilities to cater for 150 pupils aged between 4-19 years. The school will form part of the Alconbury Weald Education Campus that will see the addition of a new Secondary School in future phases.

Working in collaboration with Cambridgeshire County Council and Horizons Education Trust to complete extensive engagement, Prestley Wood now boasts some of the best SEND facilities in the region. This includes two sensory rooms, a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, trampoline room, soft play and much more.

Improvements have been made to the outside areas too with improved soft landscaping, including the introduction of new outside play and gym equipment, a MUGA pitch, and 120 new trees and wildflowers planted.

Aligned with Cambridgeshire County Council’s plans to be Net Zero by 2045, Prestley Wood has been built with sustainability in mind. 200 photovoltaic panels have been installed, as well as an energy efficient air source heat pump system.

The sustainable nature and landscape design of the school will support the curriculum to provide a range of initiatives including residential and educational visits, forest school learning, specialist art-creativity, and sport and fitness.

Prestley Wood Academy will be run as its own school but with strong links to Huntingdon’s nearby Spring Common Academy Trust, which is part of the same Horizons Education Trust.

Jamie Shearman, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Cambridgeshire, said: “Prestley Wood Academy sets a new standard for SEND schools in Cambridgeshire. We are delighted that we have had the opportunity to work with a great local supply chain and team, alongside Cambridgeshire County Council and Horizons Education Trust, to deliver this great project.

“At Morgan Sindall, we believe great learning environments inspire children’s education and progress and feel that Prestley Wood will give the next generation the best start in life.”

Caroline Place, Head Teacher at Alconbury Weald said: “Horizons Trust has worked closely with Morgan Sindall over a number of years to create an inspirational and sustainable build design, which will serve future generations of learners. Throughout the process, Morgan Sindall have listened and expertly acted upon the specialist SEND guidance in a consistent timely manner to ensure the environment is safe and provides an accessible and joyful experience for our very special group of young people.

“The open atmosphere of collaboration and creativity between a range of knowledgeable and approachable professionals has been incredible, and ably facilitated by the expert Morgan Sindall team. The whole Prestley Wood community cannot thank Morgan Sindall enough.

“The new building is a wonderful environment for learning and growth and a fantastic flagship school for our community. We look forward to welcoming our students to Prestley Wood Academy at the start of the autumn term in September 2024.”

Rebecca Britton, from the Alconbury Weald’s master developer, Urban&Civic, added: “We’re so pleased Prestley Wood Academy is open, and that the development at Alconbury Weald has been able to provide such an inspiring and supportive space for learning for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities across the local area.

“It has been a fantastic experience working with the passion and commitment of the Horizons Education Trust team, and I know our residents and businesses have already given the brilliant team here a warm welcome and we look forward to welcoming students in the coming months and years. This school marks the start of our Education Campus and sets a high bar with its welcoming and sustainable building, and high aspirations for the students and their families. We look forward to continued partnership with the school and its students.”

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Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust optimistic one year on from RAAC crisis

With the autumn term underway, Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, severely affected by the RAAC crisis in 2023, is embracing a positive future — providing inspiring learning environments for pupils and staff, investment and job creation in the region.

A year after the education sector was forced to close schools and relocate many classrooms, following the discovery of RAAC in a number of schools across the UK, the future looks bright for thousands of North East pupils and the wider communities.I

n September 2023 Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust (BWCET) introduced a series of innovative Estates strategies in the face of adversity, after it was told three of its schools required immediate closure.

Thanks to the continued commitment of management, staff, students, parents, the Department of Education and Local Councillors and MPs, two of those schools have reopened fully and the third — St Leonard’s Catholic School in Durham — is operating successfully from a new site, housing state-of-the-art temporary teaching spaces.

St Leonard’s, St Anne’s Catholic Primary School (Gateshead) and St Benet’s Catholic Primary School (Ouston) have all been added to the Schools Rebuilding Programme with timetables for work under constant review.

And BWCET has pledged to undertake an ambitious expansion programme at another of its schools initially affected by RAAC with St Thomas More Catholic School, Blaydon set to benefit from significant investment.

“Throughout the last 12 months we have done everything we can to provide the highest possible level of education to our pupils,” said Nick Hurn OBE, CEO of BWCET.

“It was important that we took an agile approach to the future as, for many months, the situation was unclear and we needed to constantly revise our strategies.

“Twelve months on and that ability to pivot stands our schools in good stead for the future.

“It’s been an extremely challenging period — and nobody could have foreseen what was going to happen — but I feel that we’re emerging stronger as a Trust and as a community.

“In the meantime we are continuing to work with the Department for Education to agree the design of the St Leonard’s project and the timeframe for its delivery.”

With the new school year underway it’s hoped that the lessons learned — and strategies put in place — as a result of the RAAC crisis will enable all four affected BWCET schools to tackle the future with renewed confidence.

Last month’s impressive GCSE and A Level results at St Leonard’s underlined the remarkable determination of students and staff to strive for success in the face of significant hurdles.

Ninety per cent of GCSE entries were awarded grades between 4 and 9 while 40 per cent of A Level entries were awarded A* or A grades.

It is also a testament to the resilience and motivation of staff, pupils and families, who worked tirelessly to protect the education of pupils, that both St Anne’s and St Benet’s have also managed to achieve excellent results this year.

“I have thanked our staff teams and families for their support throughout this past year directly,” added Nick.

BWCET’s robust response to a challenging period coincides with a £12m investment in a four-year minor works initiative.

The innovative scheme was designed to inform the regional contractor market about opportunities to work with the Trusts’s estate on minor works including general building, roofing, mechanical and electrical repairs. This was spearheaded by Educational Commercial Services, the commercial arm of BWCET.

Already the Trust has secured £1.2m in social value commitment, creating more than 270 employment and training opportunities.

“In spite of the enormous challenges we’ve faced, operating 48 schools across the North East and as one the Trusts most severely affected by RAAC, we’ve still been able to implement our minor works contracts initiative,” added Nick.

“The appointed providers will deliver almost 150 days of training opportunities to benefit students at the Trust’s schools, with more than 230 hours of learning interventions, working with subject departments to support the curriculum.

“Then there’s nearly 50 days of construction sector awareness training and 64 days of career guidance and mentorship programmes. This training provides students with invaluable transferable skills for their future pathways.

“After the year that we’ve had it’s important to focus on the positives and recognise the progress that’s been made.”

At St Leonard’s head teacher Chris Hammill echoes an overriding feeling of positivity moving forward.

Although the school’s temporary learning spaces have proved popular with staff and students alike, there is genuine excitement that a new building is expected to be completed by Easter 2026 — ahead of schedule.

“I feel really hopeful for the future,” he added. “Adversity brings strength.”

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Planning for schools development

Comment by Lucy Anderson, Associate Director, Boyer, part of Leaders Romans Group. 

The new Labour government’s intention to charge VAT on school fees is just one reason why independent schools are looking to make savings. Economising without impacting quality is not just necessary in view of this shock to school finances, it’s simply good business sense. 

Boyer works with several independent schools on an ongoing basis, in each case with the objective of using planning to support new initiatives. 

So, how can planning help? 

Creating a USP is central to many schools’ business strategies and certainly unique benefits enable schools to differentiate themselves from the intense competition. 

We’re increasingly seeing schools introducing new facilities which do exactly that. Post-Covid there has been a focus on supporting students’ physical and mental health. Dedicated facilities can support counselling, physiotherapy and more. Sensory gardens and conditioning suites can provide a competitive edge. 

Inevitably new (and many repurposed) facilities require planning permission, but Permitted Development Rights (PDR) provide a welcome alternative to submitting a planning application through the local authority and waiting a standard 8 or 13 weeks (but often more) for determination. 

The legislation surrounding PDR is often complex and can be hard to interpret, with several specific conditions and requirements which have to be adhered to. 

For schools and other educational estates, Schedule 2 Part 7 Class M of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) allows for certain extensions and alterations to be made to buildings, as long as the amendments meet a certain set of criteria and parameters. 

Schedule 2 Part 7 Class N also allows for the provision of a new hard surface (such as car parking spaces) to be provided within the curtilage of an existing school, college and university, although this can be limited to a relatively small area. 

However it is important to recognise that whilst the opportunities relating to schools under PDR are more limited than for other sectors, they can still be extremely beneficial from an operational perspective, particularly in terms of making more efficient use of external space. For instance, there are also opportunities through PDR to make temporary adjustments / erect temporary structures (i.e. they are required to be ‘moveable’) within a school which could support the use of outside spaces for external events.

However it is important to note that permitted development is only allowed in specific circumstances and is often time-limited. 

For example, a school recently considered the option to open its tennis courts and swimming pool to the public. To do so required additional floodlighting, but as the lights were temporary and limited to a specific height, this could be achieved through Permitted Development Rights (as opposed to a formal planning application), at comparatively little cost and time to the school.

Performance spaces are commonly hired out for external use, particularly during school holidays when they might be used for music or drama courses or festivals. The more flexible the space, the more opportunities it presents – and PDR can help to create this flexibility. 

Planning permission may be required for the changes to access and parking capacity which invariably come with changes to facilities, although it may be possible to achieve some flexibility through Permitted Development Rights. However, this applies in some circumstances but not all, so it’s always worth checking with a planning consultant. This is especially important if the site includes listed buildings or adjoins the setting of a heritage asset as many Permitted Development Rights cease to apply in relation to listed buildings. 

Although the changes described above can technically be exercised without obtaining formal planning permission, from a commercial standpoint there are also benefits of submitting an application to secure a Certificate of Lawful Development. The main benefit is that a Certificate of Lawful Development reduces the prospect of any enforcement action being taken by the Local Planning Authority, whilst also providing sufficient comfort that the structure is legally compliant with the relevant legislation – which is particularly important when it comes to any acquisitions or disposals of assets. 

In terms of the application process, although delays are commonplace throughout the planning system, the process of applying for a Certificate of Lawful Development has been streamlined recently. This means there are only a limited number of key considerations able to be taken into account and in line with government guidance, the statutory timescale for a decision is 8 weeks. 

At Boyer we have prepared, submitted and managed these types of applications for many clients, securing consent for Certificates of Lawful Development for their peace of mind. We’ve seen many times over what a great opportunity this presents in increasing revenue at very little expense. 

Our experience of schools seeking to create maximum value from their facilities is that flexibility is much more easily obtained if the schools have a good relationship with the Local Planning Authority. We seek to ensure that readily-available communication channels exist which enable open dialogue and can make a world of difference, especially when there is a clear correlation between the school’s business success and the impact on the local economy.

 

https://www.boyerplanning.co.uk/

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Invisible door automation opens historic Oxford College entrance

The Grade II listed dining hall at Pembroke College, Oxford University has undergone a significant upgrade. Architects Walters & Cohen, in collaboration with Glasstec, has addressed the issue of draughts from the hall’s heavy timber doors by installing an elegant yet highly functional, self-opening glazed entrance door. 

This creative solution incorporates a TORMAX iMotion 1401 concealed door drive, providing invisible automation for the swing door. The result is a warm, draught-free environment that enhances thermal comfort and energy efficiency without compromising the hall’s historic charm.

The new entrance door is a testament to the seamless integration of modern technology within a historic setting. The TORMAX iMotion 1401, located discreetly in a steel casing beneath the door, ensures that the aesthetic integrity of the Victorian stonework remains intact. 

“We are delighted with the successful installation of the new entrance door, which cleverly balances functionality and heritage conservation,” said Vanessa Gouws, Operations Bursar of Pembroke College. “This intervention has helped improve the energy efficiency of the dining hall, the second biggest fuel consumer in Pembroke’s estate, not to mention helping keep diners and dinners warm.”

TORMAX is a global leader in door automation systems, renowned for their innovative designs and commitment to quality.

Designed in-house at the TORMAX headquarters in Switzerland, the iMotion range of automatic door operators incorporate a motor with none of the elements that generally wear out, such as gears and brushes. This ensures exceptional longevity and demands only minimal ongoing maintenance, making it entirely feasible to situate the drive in a concealed location.

“In addition to the iMotion 1401 underfloor door drive, we offer the iMotion 1302.KI which is concealed within the door lintel,” comments Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX UK. “Together, these options can deliver practical access solutions for almost any location where the traditional appearance of an entrance must be preserved.”

 

https://www.tormax.co.uk/

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Power up your projects with IronmongeryDirect

As educational facilities approach the end of the academic term, facilities managers and tradespeople may be looking ahead to the maintenance and repairs that are needed over the summer break. Leading specialist retailer IronmongeryDirect can streamline the procurement process, with everything from complete fire door kits to access control hardware, and electrical products – all in stock to suit a range of applications.

For washroom projects

The online supplier stocks a choice of DDA compliant, touch free hand dryer products from manufacturer, Everything Hand Dryers. This includes the compact, low energy and high-speed Hydra 9. Delivering 750W. T  , the small design of this product allows for perfect positioning in all washroom environments. Alternatively, the Vega 4 offers users with switchable heat, quiet mode and the option of intelligent H13 media filtration, for hygienically cleaner air.

For lighting updates

The high lumen Lightspan Linkable LED Battens from Integral LED are ideal for bright indoor task lighting and at up to 145lm/W, they offer significant energy savings compared to equivalent fluorescent fittings that have been phased out. Also, from Integral, the robust 15W Tough-Shell+ LED Bulkhead Light can be installed indoors and outdoors to provide a 110° beam angle and an even light distribution.

For managing health & safety

IronmongeryDirect has a vast range of products that help support a comprehensive health and safety strategy. For example, keep fingers safe from being trapped in doors with the easy to fit Exitex Digitex Front Finger Guard.    , and prevent accidents and improve security with the Jackloc range of window restrictors. 

For fire door maintenance and escape routes, IronmongeryDirect has an extensive range of quality solutions that includes over 1,500 fire rated products from trusted brands such as Briton, Arrone, Rutland and Dorgard. A best seller from the range is the CE marked overhead AR450 door closer. Suitable for use on interior doors up to 950mm with a 120-minute fire class rating, it’s power size 3 with adjustable closing and latch speeds to achieve the desired action depending on the application.

Kelly Wing, Senior Category & Direct Sourcing Manager at IronmongeryDirect said: “We understand the upkeep and maintenance of an educational estate can vary from quick fixes and repairs to more comprehensive installations and renovations and importantly, it needs to be completed within very limited timeframes so as not to disrupt students and teachers. “By choosing IronmongeryDirect, facilities and estate managers can source all the items from one supplier and get them delivered to their own schedule – even next day. Education specifiers and facilities managers can also make use of our ‘Trade Quote’ service for larger jobs to secure even more savings.”

IronmongeryDirect is a leading specialist supplier of ironmongery to the trade, with over 18,000 products in stock. All products are regularly reviewed to ensure customers are offered competitive prices, including bulk buy savings on over 12,000 products. Customers can choose from a range of flexible delivery options including next day delivery, 2-working day delivery, same day delivery to postcodes in selected areas of London and the East of England, as well as click and collect from 6,500 pick up points across the UK. Contact our award-winning customer service team for a project quote today on 0300 303 88 21 or email Quotes@IronmongeryDirect.com.

To find out more about IronmongeryDirect, please visit: www.IronmongeryDirect.co.uk.  

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For an efficient, space-saving solution, the only way is Upton

With challenges such as financial demands and space constraints being a key consideration for many heating and hot water projects in school buildings, compact modular condensing boilers such as the Upton boiler from Hamworthy are a game changer. This space-saving modular boiler can efficiently deliver more than 1MW output on less than 1m² footprint.

Packing power and efficiency into a small space

When specifying a heating system, the first consideration should, without doubt, be the required kW output needed.  However, once this is calculated, plant room size and access are equally as important.  For projects in older buildings, where demands might vary or may have increased over time, there may be a need to increase boilers or boiler size.  This could be an issue for plant rooms where space is already quite tight, particularly if it means the boiler and ancillaries simply won’t fit the existing space.   Similarly, when it comes to modern buildings, plant room space is like gold dust. 

Compared to large high-output boilers, Upton modular condensing boiler modules make the most of valuable space.  Available as single modules, and pre-assembled in two or three high modules in up to 18 combinations with power outputs from 100kW to 1,050kW from less than one square meter foot, Upton boilers offer a flexible solution that makes the most of existing floor space.  

Upton boilers can also be easily separated and moved without the assistance of heavy-duty cranes or other expensive equipment.  Smaller and physically easier to handle than larger single boilers, they can also help to overcome restrictions, such as tight stairways, narrow doorways, and overhead obstructions. 

Cost reduction and energy savings

Unlike a single appliance which may struggle to provide heat efficiently to a large area, Upton boilers feature reliable built-in boiler sequence controls, enabling up to 16 boiler modules and hot water circuits to be set to work together in cascade or unison formation.

This means modulation can be shared across all units in the system.  As each module takes a percentage of the load, this prevents the inefficiencies of on/off cycling and ensures each boiler module can operate at optimum efficiency, at all times.  For instance, an Upton setup of six 100kW boilers arranged in a cascade will provide the same output as a single 600kW unit – however, it will provide a greater modulation rate because there is a greater maximum collective output, meaning the modulation ratio is increased.  This means there’s less need for each boiler to cycle on and off, saving valuable energy costs and reducing wear and tear over time.  In addition, overall NOx emissions are reduced due to less over-firing of the appliance.

Also incorporating an aluminium sectional l heat exchanger (with a 5-year warranty) for quick heat-up times, even heat distribution and maximum efficiency of up to 108%, Upton boilers are also fully compliant with the Energy Related Products Directive (ErP) and Building Regulations Part L.

Minimum disruption

In the unlikely event of a breakdown, the building can still be heated sufficiently by other modules in the system – if one module fails, the other modules will carry on working normally as the boilers run in a cascade operating configuration.  Furthermore, each boiler can be taken offline independently, without disrupting the continuation of supply during routine maintenance.  It’s also worth remembering that Upton boilers can be installed alongside an existing boiler.  This enables a smooth changeover from the old heating system to new with little or no system downtime.  

Conclusion

In today’s world of emission concerns, pressures to reduce cost and the need to achieve more with less, Upton boilers are superior in helping to reduce the energy consumption needed to meet the demands of a building. Delivering a constant and reliable heat supply, without the risk of disruption and unplanned downtime, Upton boilers can offer a cost-effective alternative to a traditional large single boiler.  Moreover, thanks to their small footprint and low CO2 and NOx emissions, they successfully reduce the space needed for heating equipment while lowering impact on the environment.

https://hamworthy-heating.com/About-us/Our-news/Aluminium-boiler-with-1MW-output

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Manor Drive Academy chooses fermacell® for new school development

As part of the Manor Drive Academy development in Peterborough, architects Jestico + Whiles and contractor Raimondas Petrulis have specified the unique building board fermacell® for the ceilings and walls in its new sports hall.

Part of a range of products by James Hardie, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of building materials, fermacell® is a fibre gypsum board which provides superior fire resistance, acoustic performance and impact strength. For the sports hall wall construction, a double layer lining of 12.5 mm fermacell® was used to ensure higher levels of protection against ball impact, and provide long-term durability.  The high-density board comes with a 20-year impact warranty and can be installed before the building is water tight, which not only helped with the speed of the build but also had a positive impact on carbon reduction as fermacell® is verified to store C02*. 

The new four-court sports hall is a major part of the Manor Drive School development.  Manor Drive Secondary Academy adjoins the primary building and at full capacity the schools will cater for up to 1346 students. (900 secondary and 446 primary) with numbers planned to grow incrementally year on year.

Jon Jacznik, Director at DCL Drywall Contracts commented: “The sports hall area is a prime example of how the fermacell high density boards can provide protection from direct impact from sports activities as well as resistance from extreme wear and tear. With a 20 year impact warranty the client has peace of mind that the product will stand up to all future sports events.”

Chris Winwood, Commercial Sales Manager at James Hardie added: “The design team were looking for ways to speed up the build time whilst not compromising on quality. The architect and contractor specified Fermacell® because of its established reputation in the Education sector, offering the robustness of blockwork with the speed and install of drywall, saving time, money and space making it ideal for modern school environments.”

 

https://www.fermacell.co.uk/en

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State-of-the-art £28 million school facility ready for first day of lessons

Algeco UK completes state-of-the-art £28million Northampton School site in record time ready for the new school term.

Pupils and staff at Northampton School have started the new school term on a high – by walking through the doors of one of the most modern learning facilities in the UK. Algeco UK completed the Northampton School project within just 18 months.

This is the biggest school build ever undertaken by Algeco UK, which was secured through the MMC Framework for the Department of Education (DfE).

Northampton School will eventually accommodate a total of 1,200 boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 18 from across Northamptonshire.

Algeco is well-known as a market-leading supplier of portable and modular buildings across the UK and Europe used in multiple sectors, including the Ministry of Justice, schools, hospitals and office locations.

The buildings at the new Northampton School were created utilising modern methods of construction in a quality-controlled offsite environment, ensuring the highest standards of workmanship and Health and Safety.

Algeco developed the project through a two- phase approach that followed the receipt of the DfE’s feasibility approval. It was designed in collaboration with the school and all stakeholders and manufactured using an MMC approach, which involved constructing the school in modules and transferring them to site following completion.

This method means the build was completed within just 18 months compared to the typical three-year time frame.

Algeco’s experts started laying the foundations in January 2023. A total of 210 modules were created at the company’s factory in Carnaby and transported by road to the Northampton site. The company also provided temporary decant classrooms and all of the construction site welfare and associated services while the main building was being constructed.

The school is a £28 million state-school project run by the Northampton School for Boys (NSB) Academy Trust.

It is a state-of-the-art facility for the teaching of secondary school pupils, with dedicated sports, drama, science, music rooms, and much more.

 

The new school opened for pupil intake for the first time on Thursday September 4th, with Year 8 students the first to start back at the new school. They were joined by the school’s Year 7 pupils the next day.

Phil Pavey, Managing Director at Algeco Offsite Solutions (OSS), said:

“This is one of the most exciting projects Algeco UK has worked on – planning and constructing a series of buildings to ensure the students of Northampton have the best possible education has been very motivational for all of us.

“We sincerely hope the new Northampton School is a place where teachers and students alike will find a welcoming and inspirational environment, as well as being a fantastic focal point in the community.”

Gary Greenhoff, Algeco Offsite Solutions (OSS) Project Manager, said:

“Using modular construction meant this facility was ready much faster than traditional methods, and the flexibility it offered means the school has everything it could want and much more.”

He added: “I’m immensely proud of the school, everyone has worked very hard to make this an amazing facility for the people of Northamptonshire. There were a few challenges along the way, including the heavy rain in the spring, but we overcame them all and was ready to hand the school over to the teachers and pupils ready for term-time in September.”

Algeco UK would like to thank all of the 137 staff and contractors involved in the project over the 18-month build. In particular, the company would like to credit: Sean Brind, Contract Manager; Abbass Mahmood, Senior Quantity Surveyor; Gary Greenhoff, Project Manager; Alison Orme, Design Manager; Ashley James, Head of Design; Mike Swain, Site Manager; and Harrison Parkin, Assistant Site Manager.

 

 

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE ALGECO WEBSITE

 

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