23.03.12
Academy construction awarded in Plymouth
Plymouth City Council has appointed a contractor to build its new Academy school in an 18-month, £11.5m programme. All Saints Academy Plymouth was one of 71 academies awarded a capital funding grant in December 2010.
BAM Construction Ltd will take on 4,200 sq. m of new build and complete remodelling, with a refurbishment of the east wing building. New theatre and creative arts areas will also be built, and over £1m will be invested in new IT facilities, furniture and equipment.
Other improvements include extensive landscaping and the provision of sports facilities. The Academy will have full DDA access.
Around 80% of the contract value is to be spent in the local economy, to directly contribute to the city’s growth. BAM Construction has also committed to create apprenticeship opportunities through the work.
Cllr Sam Leaves, Cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Not only is this great news for the school itself and young people in the city, it’s also a real boost to the local economy. It will create jobs and apprenticeships for young people and it will ensure that those young people attending All Saints will benefit from excellent learning environments.”
Principal Peter Grainger said the announcement “will allow us to deliver the sponsors vision to give our students and the community the very best opportunities on a first class campus”.
Graham Kingdon, area manager for BAM Construction Limited said: “We seePlymouthas an up and coming city and an important place to be doing business.”
The decision to award the contract is being made by Cabinet following tendering exercise through the Partnership for Schools Construction Framework. A public consultation on the plans is to be held on March 27.
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