Wates completes first phase of £3.2m school expansion
Wates Construction has completed the first phase of its £3.2m extension of Mellers Primary School on Norton Road in Radford. The school becomes the latest education project delivered by the contractor in Nottingham following the recent opening of Bluecoat Academy.
The new 10,226 sq ft building, built alongside the existing school, was commissioned by Nottingham City Council and procured through the empa framework, which is managed by Scape Group, a public-sector procurement specialist.
The extension will enable the school to accommodate two additional Key Stage 2 classes and will increase the school’s capacity from 210 to 420 places, helping to support the council’s commitment to increasing school provision across the city.
Designed by architects Atkins, the building is now complete in time for students to start the next school year in their new and improved surroundings.
The new building consists of eight classrooms and a school hall, with each room fitted with integrated technologies that allows engaging teaching and learning to take place. Before the handover Wates hosted familiarisation days where students were introduced to the layout of their new classrooms. The new features were also explained to the students to ensure they are comfortable using them in September.
Phase two of the project, which will be complete before the new school year begins, will include the refurbishment of the school’s kitchen – adapting it from gas to electric, renovating toilets and converting a classroom into a staff room. External works include the installation of a trim trail assault course and improving the appearance of bare areas of grass around the school grounds.
John Carlin, business unit director at Wates Construction Midlands said: “The Wates team has thoroughly enjoyed its work expanding Mellers Primary School – getting to know the students and teachers has been a great pleasure for everyone working on the project.
“Hopefully our presence on site has given Mellers’ students an insight into how projects like these work, and how construction can be an incredibly exciting industry to work in. When the new school year begins in September we hope staff and students alike will take great pleasure in their new look school.
“This is the latest of a range of educational projects Wates has worked on in Nottingham, and the completed school will go some way to support the need for increased places in the region. We look forward to further collaboration with the council, using our experience in expanding schools to meet this demand.”
Victoria Brambini, managing director of Scape Procure, added: “With the primary school population growing rapidly across the country and the region, it is positive to see Wates and Nottingham City Council making big strides to create more, high quality school places. The work Wates has completed on this first phase means that Mellers Primary School has not only been able to double its capacity but will allow its pupils to learn, develop and thrive in a safe and comfortable learning environment and we are looking forward to seeing the impact the extension has on the students’ school experience.
“This project will not only have a positive impact on school pupils and teachers but will also provide a boost for the East Midlands economy, as a result of Wates’ work with local suppliers and the training opportunities they have created through the empa framework.”
Councillor Sam Webster, portfolio holder for business, education and skills at the City Council, said: “The council’s expansion strategy will ensure that every child and young person has access to the very best facilities in order to help them to succeed and reach their full potential. We must ensure that all children have the opportunity to access high quality teaching and learning.”
