Development kicks off to create college sports complex

Construction has started on a major new sports facility at Minsthorpe Community College, in South Elmsall.

The project is being carried out by Henry Boot Construction and, when finished, it will provide two activity studios, changing rooms, toilets, storage facilities and office space, as well as a 6,400 sq ft main sports hall.

Work got underway this summer to replace the previous sports facilities and is expected to be completed by spring 2025, alongside refurbishment works to several of the existing blocks.

During the pre-construction phase, Henry Boot Construction has worked with the Department for Education (DfE), Niemens Architects and Dudleys Consultant Engineers.

Tony Shaw, Henry Boot Construction managing director, said: “It’s great to get started on the construction stages of our work here at Minsthorpe Community College.

“Since the beginning of the design and planning process, we have had a clear vision of what the final product will look like.

“Projects like this are always incredibly rewarding, providing high-quality facilities to the local community that will greatly benefit them.

“We are modernising existing spaces so that we can support curriculum activity and greatly enhance the student experience.

“We’re starting to build a strong portfolio in the West Yorkshire area and this project adds to our ever-increasing Department for Education portfolio which began in 2017. We’re proud to be working on this fantastic project.”

The firm is also planning to deliver a range of work experience and employment opportunities as well as supporting key local community organisations.

Joint principals Mark Gilmore and Rachael Merritt, from Minsthorpe Community College, said: “Henry Boot Construction’s desire to involve our students so far in this process has been fantastic.

“We’re happy to be chosen as one of the first 50 schools to be part of the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme.

“The new sports complex is the final piece in the jigsaw in bringing the college’s facilities into the 21st century meaning the experiences of both our amazing students and fantastic community will be enriched for years to come.”