BBG Academy makes move to new building following £5m development

STAFF and students at BBG Academy have moved into their new school building following Wates Construction’s completion of a £5m extension.

Building works, which began in October, have seen the contractor deliver a 3,000 sq m extension to the existing school building on Bradford Road in Cleckheaton.

The project has enabled the academy to expand its 400-place capacity to accommodate 750 students aged 11 to 16 years.

The project has also included the refurbishment of the existing 2,775 sq m school building and the construction of a central courtyard.

Designed by Halliday Clark, the new facility offers sports facilities, a learning resource centre and adult learning provision, all of which are now available for community use.

Formerly Birkenshaw Middle School, BBG Academy has a strong focus on science and serves the communities of Birkenshaw, Birstall, East Bierley and Gomersal.

Jo-anne Atkinson, principal at BBG Academy, said: “Through partnership with Wates, BBG Academy has been able to expand and enhance its facilities. Wates has helped to create an inspirational learning environment for this aspirational school.”

David Price, business unit director for Wates Construction Yorkshire, added: “The new BBG Academy provides local young people with an exceptional learning environment and I am delighted that the students and staff are now enjoying their brand new facility. Throughout construction we worked closely with the academy to ensure it remained fully operational and that minimal disruption was caused – a true partnership that enabled us to reach completion on time and on budget.”