DEVELOPER APPOINTED AS WORK GETS UNDERWAY AT HARTSHILL ACADEMY

A new school building for Hartshill Academy in Nuneaton has moved a step closer following the appointment of a developer by the Department for Education. Wates Construction will lead on the complete re-development of the site at Hartshill Academy, part of the Midland Academies Trust, which is one of the first schools to benefit from the Government’s national School Rebuilding Programme.

The redevelopment project will deliver a state-of-the-art facility that is fit for 21st century teaching with a target to be net zero carbon by design. Work has commenced with the demolition of the former caretaker’s bungalow and construction will begin during the summer break.

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Chief Executive of the Midland Academies Trust said, “We are delighted that the Department for Education has selected Wates to help us deliver a transformative education experience for pupils at Hartshill Academy.

“Hartshill Academy has a long tradition of educating pupils and enabling them to develop and create successful futures. We welcome the opportunities that the new campus will bring to adapt to new styles of learning and provide better resources for future generations, as well as creating a hub for the local community and a beacon for raising aspirations across the local area. The new building will provide a secure and welcoming environment for pupils, enabling them to reach their potential. It will be targeted to be net zero carbon in operation supporting the Trust’s environmental sustainability objectives.”

The new school will be based in a single building developed adjacent to the existing premises at Church Road in Nuneaton. It will provide a welcoming and secure environment with open spaces and wide corridors that encourages pupils to engage fully in their learning. Sustainability will be at the heart of the new school’s design with facilities making as much use as possible of natural light, with efficient use of power to save on operating costs and to help reduce carbon emissions.

Lorraine Taylor, Principal of Hartshill Academy said, “We are looking forward to working with the Wates as we move forward with the next steps. It is our intention that school life will continue uninterrupted on the same site during redevelopment and that the school will move into its new building in September 2023. We will work closely with our neighbours and the Wates to minimise any disruption to the local community during the construction process.”