Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Telford and Wrekin Council to provide a £9.7m modular upgrade to Holy Trinity Academy, to improve and amend the school’s amenities
The upgrade will also support greater student intake to the Ofsted “Good” rated school. The upgrades include the design and build of a new three-storey teaching block, which will house extended science facilities; equipped with four science labs, ten teaching rooms, and other multi-purpose spaces.
The plans also include single-storey extensions to the east and west elevations of the existing dining hall, to create additional space for students to use at break time and for assemblies.
‘Creating new learning experiences for generations to come’
Dan Doyle, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re thrilled to start the extension works at Holy Trinity Academy.
“Utilising modular construction for the science block will save three and a half months of programme and help ensure that it’s complete in time for the next student intake. This method also offers improved quality and will help minimise disruption to the students during the construction.
“We are proud to play our part in creating new learning experiences for the students of Holy Trinity Academy for generations to come.”
The external works include the renovation of outdoor sports areas which will support the students’ PE curriculum, and the Telford community will also benefit from a hireable space for local residents outside of school hours.
Meanwhile, Willmott Dixon will be investing in the area by running its successful Building Lives Academy and Traineeship Programme, which supports young adults aged 16-18 not in employment, education, or training.
‘Upskilling in communities’
He continued: “Upskilling in the communities we work in is hugely important for both local economies and the future of the construction industry.
“As part of the project at the Holy Trinity Academy, we have committed to creating 15 work experience placements, and will recruit five apprenticeship roles across the project.”
‘Real opportunities for our students’
Angus Neal, headteacher at Holy Trinity Academy commented: “The enhanced facilities offer real opportunities for our students to benefit more fully through greater learning experiences the facilities will provide.
“Over the next few months, we look forward to working in partnership with Willmott Dixon enabling our students to benefit from industry-specific Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) and helping our students understanding the technical aspects of construction and engineering.”
Willmott Dixon will divert more than 97% of the site’s construction waste away from landfill, and install solar photovoltaic panels.
Willmott Dixon will also work closely with its supply chain partners to reduce diesel usage, while working with delivery partners to ensure that the Department for Education’s energy benchmarking requirements are met.
The project team includes Bond Bryan Architects and is expected to finish in September for new and returning students in the new academic year.
