Galliford Try hands over Great Park Academy

Galliford Try’s Building North East and Yorkshire business unit has handed over the new Great Park Academy, a 1,200-place secondary school in Newcastle Great Park.

The Department for Education scheme, which will be run by the Gosforth Group Multi Academy Trust, will open in September, welcoming students that have been based in temporary accommodation in the nearby Gosforth Academy site since 2021.

The new school features flexible and inspirational teaching spaces over three-storeys, including sports, music, art, and drama facilities, learning resource centre, and a suite of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities support spaces for SEND students.

Externally, soft and hard landscaping has been enhanced, or newly created, and includes the addition of a dedicated play area, and external learning spaces, including multi-use games area.

Galliford Try’s Building North East and Yorkshire business awarded more than 85% of the work to SMEs across the construction phase and achieved 45/45 on its most recent Considerate Constructor Scheme inspection.

Cliff Wheatley, Managing Director at Galliford Try Building North East and Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to have built Great Park Academy a permanent home that will enhance the learning experience and opportunities available to its students.

“The team has also left a lasting legacy in the area, supporting 11 T-level students from Gateshead College and Newcastle College, helping them on their way to a rewarding career in construction.”