Derby-based academy ‘delighted’ at new multi-million pound, state-of-the-art science block built by Algeco UK
Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby has proudly unveiled its brand-new multi-million-pound science block in the latest successful education building project undertaken by Algeco UK.
Algeco UK is a leading provider of permanent modular buildings, temporary accommodation and storage containers delivering construction expertise to diverse sectors including retail, commercial, industrial, education, health, defence and justice, and many more.
Saint Benedict is just one of many school building projects Algeco has been instrumental in developing in the past few years.
The state-of-the-art science block at St Benedict, which will accommodate pupils in 12 classrooms in a standalone two-storey structure and replaces a set of classrooms scattered around the school site – this now brings all the science functions together in one location.
Pupils and teachers alike are delighted at Algeco UK’s work on the science block at St Benedict
Headteacher Hazel Boyce was delighted at the finished classrooms. She said: “The new science block is incredible and a much-needed improvement at Saint Benedict. To have the whole department all together, under one roof is a dream come true.
“The benefit to our pupils is going to be immense and their delight at the new block is a joy to behold! The innovative design of the building coupled with the wide expanse of glass in all the labs makes it a beautiful environment in which to learn.”
Dr Mala Mistry, Director of Learning, Science at Saint Benedict, added: “At last, the science department is together in our new science block! M block contains 12 bespoke laboratories, each fitted with an interactive whiteboard, and specialist prep rooms, this move will ensure that the science teachers are able to deliver the already robust curriculum in new and innovative ways.”
The building is a venture between the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust and Derby City Council, to support Derby with a surge in the population of children going into Year 7 this year and last year. The project was secured by Algeco via negotiated contract, procured through the NHS-SBS framework.
Algeco worked closely with its partners at Entrust which provided educational consultant services between the council and design team.
Acting as Principal Design and Build Contractor and working with Watson Batty Architects, Algeco is providing a full turnkey solution to the academy trust.
Algeco UK has taken great pains to ensure the build has been as environmentally-friendly as possible. This was a low-carbon build, with the Algeco platform design modular solution delivering significant reductions in both operational and embodied carbon of up to 70%, through factors such as design efficiency, materials selection and manufacturing effectiveness, leading to limited wastage.
Additional sustainability and low-carbon benefits were delivered through the incorporation of solar PV, recycled materials and high levels of insulation.
Phil Pavey, Managing Director of Algeco Offsite Solutions said: “The new science block was a sizeable project win for us. The client chose an Algeco turnkey solution because of our extensive experience in the education sector, along with the rapid build times possible through the use of our platform design approach.”
