Two new schools will lead the way in sustainable school building techniques

Preston builder, Conlon Construction, will begin work this summer on two primary schools in North Manchester and Leyland which will lead the way in sustainable school building.

Part of Star Academies, The Olive School, Manchester is due to open in late 2024.

The new, two-form entry primary school in Cheetham Hill promises to address an identified need within the community for additional quality school places locally.

The 420-pupil, 23,000 sq ft school will boast 14 classrooms and one science block, plus outdoor spaces, including a sports pitch and community batting nets.

Seven Stars Primary School on Peacock Hall Road in Leyland, opened its doors more than 50 years ago and will be fully demolished and rebuilt by Conlon Construction.

Dramatically improving the setting for its pupils, the development will bring the school to the peak of current standards in sustainability and as a learning environment. The build will be carried out in two phases, and the school will remain operational throughout the course of the project.

Plans for Seven Stars include 10 classrooms within a part-two-storey, part-single-storey primary school, plus parking, landscaping and a new multi-use games area. The project is due to complete late 2024.

The schools will be among the first 50 net zero carbon schools, in line with the Department for Education’s recent codes.

Among the green initiatives built into the design are grass roofs, solar energy, high performance thermal insulation, passive ventilation solutions, air source heat pumps and no dependency on fossil fuels for heating or hot water.

Darren Lee, commercial director at Conlon Construction, said: “Meeting the net zero carbon in operation requirements is no mean feat, but we’re thrilled by the challenge and will be calling on our team’s extensive school building experience.

“We’re using innovative techniques and leading technology to create learning hubs that will not only support youngsters at Seven Stars Primary School and The Olive School to thrive in their education, but also protect the environment for the sake of their futures.”

David Holland, executive director: capital & infrastructure at Star Academies, said: “We look forward to offering families in Manchester the opportunity for their children to join a new primary school where they will receive an outstanding education and extensive leadership opportunities.”

CGI of The Olive School

Mike Mitchell, headteacher at Seven Stars Primary School, said: “We are thrilled at Seven Stars School to be part of a project that will ensure an exciting future for all our children and for the generations to come.

“This new development will create a learning environment that is fit for the future. We are especially proud to be among the first 50 net zero carbon schools in the country and we are looking forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead for our children, families and staff in our newly designed school.”

The Department for Education has ruled that the value of the contracts cannot be disclosed.