Companies celebrate on-time delivery of city centre free school

NEW-build New Islington Free School in central Manchester has been delivered by Preston companies Conlon Construction and architect, surveying and planning specialist Cassidy + Ashton.

Commissioned through the Education Funding Agency (EFA), the two-form entry school will accommodate 420 pupils and has more than doubled the current footprint of the Ofsted ‘outstanding’-rated school.

With a timescale of just nine months, the school was built off site using modular construction methods to ensure the facility was ready for occupation in time for the September 2016 intake.  

Comprising 14 classrooms, the project also includes a sports hall, dining room, kitchen and reception play area.

Michael Conlon, chairman at Conlon Construction, said: “This high-profile scheme has transformed a derelict site in the heart of Manchester into a school with modern facilities.

“We are proud of our role in helping to improve the area’s landscape and our extensive experience in the education sector has delivered a quality facility that is fit for purpose and allows the school to expand going forward.”