Willmott Dixon has worked alongside Leicestershire County Council’s initiative to establish a new generation of environmentally sustainable schools in the area
Each new school has been designed for ‘net-zero carbon operation. Leicestershire County Council’s Development Control and Regulatory Board has recently approved the construction of a second primary school, this time in Market Harborough.
Willmott Dixon will now begin construction of the new £9.3m school. The school will accommodate 210 students, located in the newly developed Airfield Farm area, which also features 924 homes in the northern part of Market Harborough. The project was achieved through the Procurement Hub.
Wilmott Dixon adds to their net-zero portfolio
The Market Harborough development follows the completion of the 210-place net-zero carbon Holly Croft Primary School on the outskirts of Hinckley, which opened this year.
The Airfield Farm Primary School will feature educational facilities catering to students with special needs, a versatile play area, natural green spaces, and designated parking and drop-off zones.
The project will also incorporate environmentally friendly measures such as the installation of bat and bird boxes to promote wildlife habitat.
Air source heat pumps will be used to generate power at the school
Technologies such as air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels will be used to generate power at the school, while careful selection of building materials will mean that the school operates as a net-zero carbon facility once it is up and running.
The project is supported by section 106 funding provided by developers William Davis and Taylor Wimpey, as well as funds from the government’s Basic Need Funding.
“This school will be a welcome addition to this new community, providing much-needed school places and a lovely setting for learning,” said Cllr Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families.
“We are committed to addressing climate change, and it’s schemes like these that will support Leicestershire becoming a net zero county by 2045. We look forward to seeing this new school taking shape,” she added.
The net-zero school has the potential to grow further
The school was designed with possible expansion in mind to accommodate up to 420 students if needed. The academy trust selected to oversee the new primary school is scheduled to be revealed in the autumn.
A gradual opening approach is in place, beginning in 2024 with the admission of reception-age children. The school is projected to reach its full capacity by the year 2030.
“It’s great that we have been able to assist in the delivery of a second net-zero school for Leicestershire County Council this year through the Major Projects Framework alongside partner Willmott Dixon,” said Louise Dodds, client relationship manager at Procurement Hub.
“We look forward to continuing to assist Leicestershire County Council’s roll-out of the new generation ‘net-zero’ schools,” she concluded.
