Contractor starts work on new school block

Contractor J Tomlinson has begun work on a scheme to build a new classroom block at Marriott Primary School in Leicester.

The company was awarded a design and build contract by Leicester City Council to develop the new two-storey, four-classroom modular building block to the north of the site.

Work will also include internal alterations and remodelling within the main block of the school to create a small hall/multipurpose space.

The new modular building is to be manufactured off-site, saving building time and reducing the number of site deliveries. It will be of low-carbon construction, with an entirely solar-panelled roof.

Pete Woods, managing director (refurbishment) at Nottingham-based J Tomlinson, said: “As a company, J Tomlinson has wide experience of working in the education sector, from primary schools through to universities. We’re currently managing the construction phase of The Mease Spencer Academy in Hilton, Derbyshire, and have recently delivered a refurbishment project at Haddon Primary School in Carlton, Nottingham.

“This project at Marriott Primary School is on a site surrounded by residential properties and will remain a ‘live’ school site while work is undertaken, so we have carefully planned deliveries, collections and other vehicular movements around school hours to minimise disruption and maximise safety.

“Using modular buildings, prefabricated elsewhere, means that we will need fewer site deliveries.”

In addition to the new block, the work will include internal remodelling of two classrooms within the main school building. Groundworks, infrastructure works, services, and connections to mains drainage are also being undertaken by J Tomlinson.

Work has just got underway, with the 22-week project expected to be completed in time for the new academic year.