Morgan Sindall Construction has completed a comprehensive expansion project at Selly Oak Trust School, delivering a state-of-the-art learning environment that will provide modern, specialist facilities for pupils with special educational needs.
The £12 million project, which was procured through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) framework, has delivered a three-storey building providing 1,844 sq. m of modern learning space, including purpose-built classrooms, a music room, and library.
The development, which covers a total area of 2,120 sq. m, also saw the creation of three new modular buildings, a trade and horticultural building, and a restorative and changing facility. In addition, refurbishment works were undertaken to the existing school buildings and a new roadway was created to improve the site’s logistics.
Working on a live school site meant the project’s construction presented several unique challenges. This included careful collaboration and coordination around the daily logistics of 40-50 minibuses transporting pupils as well as specific delivery-time restrictions appropriate for a SEN school environment. A fast-paced start to the project was undertaken during the summer holidays to minimise disruption to pupils and staff.
As part of the tier one contractor’s environmental responsibility during the development, its team also had to consider badger migration patterns when planning the construction programme.
Sustainability was central to the project's delivery. Morgan Sindall partnered with EMR, a metal recycling company, to provide sustainability and recycling education opportunities. Steel waste from the construction site was recycled, with proceeds returned directly to the school, creating both environmental and educational benefits for pupils.
In addition, cycle shelters have been provided to support the school's commitment to promoting sustainable transport options.
Richard Fielding, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Midlands, said: "Completing this project at Selly Oak Trust School is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. From the outset, our focus has been on delivering a high-quality learning environment that meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs, while carefully managing construction around a live school environment.
"Throughout the project we've also been able to create wider value through initiatives such as our partnership with EMR, helping pupils engage with sustainability and recycling while their new school facilities were being built. We're proud to hand over a building that we know will support generations of students and staff for years to come."
Mrs Rachel Stopher-Murray, Selly Oak Trust School’s Headteacher, said: “Morgan Sindall have been an excellent contractor to work hand in hand with to bring this much needed new building and teaching spaces for the students of Selly Oak Trust School to completion. I began in post as Headteacher part way through this project build and the company have worked flexibly to accommodate the slight adjustments required to the build that came through my lens as new to the project and in light of the current changing student cohorts needs.
“I have been incredibly impressed by the environmental and social factor that has been met by Morgan Sindall and the positive impact this build has created for our local community'
Damian Donnelly, Associate Director of Constructing West Midlands, said: “We are delighted that the CWM framework has supported the successful delivery of these important new facilities at Selly Oak Trust School.
“The project demonstrates what can be achieved through early collaboration and careful planning, with the school, project team and contractor working together to deliver a high-quality learning environment while minimising disruption on a live and complex site. It is particularly pleasing to see the scheme deliver wider social and environmental value alongside facilities that will benefit pupils and staff for many years to come.”
