Rosecliffe Spencer Academy completed seven weeks early

Morgan Sindall Construction has handed over a new £8 million primary school in Edwalton, Nottinghamshire, seven weeks ahead of schedule for Nottinghamshire County Council.

The main contractor was appointed to the scheme by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Counciland leading public sector procurement authority SCAPE. Working collaboratively with Arc Partnership and its supply chain, Morgan Sindall Construction not only made up for time lost due to the logistical challenges of COVID-19 earlier in the year, but delivered the project early thanks to safe, efficient staff rotation and extended working hours. The project took just 55 weeks from start to finish.

The SCAPE Construction framework accelerates construction project delivery, allows for more considered project planning through early contractor engagement, as well as creating better value for the taxpayer and measurable economic benefits. Morgan Sindall Construction celebrated two years on the framework earlier this year.

The site is part of the Sharphill housing development, one of many projects currently being built as part of the Edwalton Strategic Development Allocation. The project was commissioned on behalf of the County Council to meet the s106 obligations of the development. It will provide 315 school places in total, as well as a 26-place nursery.

Designed and project managed by Arc Partnership on behalf of the County Council, the project was undertaken on a challenging site and included the provision of a temporary village to enable the school to open in September 2020. The school has been designed so that it can be expanded in the future, as the housing development grows over the coming years.

New facilities for Rosecliffe Spencer Academy pupils

Inside the two-storey, 22,066 square foot main building are nine classrooms, offices, as well as a new hall and kitchen. There is also a library and a nurture room, which provides alternate learning space for children with specific needs.

Four outdoor sports pitches feature alongside a soft play area, tarmac playground, and a garden for nursery pupils. A new car park has also been built for parents and staff with 35 spaces including two for disabled use and two for electric vehicle charging.

The school was handed over completely in October, with the students and teaching staff migrating seamlessly from the temporary accommodation to the new building in January of this year.

The new academy is being operated by the Spencer Academies Trust, which was recognised last year as the second-ranked Trust in the country for attainment at primary level for educational performance.

Rob Cant, framework director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We are really pleased to have completed this state-of-the-art new primary school in collaboration with Arc Partnership. That our project team has completed ahead of schedule despite the challenges posed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is testament to both everyone involved and the collaborative culture supported by the framework procurement route.

“The modern new school is designed with future expansion in mind. It will be an inspiring place for generations of primary school children to learn in and support the sustainable growth of communities living in the area.”

Councillor Philip Owen, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s Committee, said: “It is excellent news that the new school is ready ahead of schedule, particularly given the extra challenges that the coronavirus presents.

“One of our key priorities is that every child should attend a good or outstanding school, and I am confident that the Spencer Academies Trust can help us achieve that, giving primary school children the best possible education, and giving them the skills and knowledge they need for the future. The Trust already has a presence in the area with the very well performing Rushcliffe School.

“The new school will help ensure that we meet our statutory duty of providing sufficient school places across the county, as this new community grows.”

Daniel Maher, Arc Partnership Managing Director, commented, “I am proud to have delivered this important school for a new community with Morgan Sindall. Through early and continuing contractor engagement we have created a truly collaborative working partnership which has delivered a challenging project ahead of schedule”

• For more information about this news release please contact Helena Young at Influential on 07708896211 or email young@thisisinfluential.com