Topic Schools and Colleges, Projects
Date 24 May 2023
Galliford Try’s Building North East and Yorkshire team has broken ground at the new £39 million Woodham Academy in Newton Aycliffe.
The County Durham town’s Mayor and Mayoress were in attendance for a ceremony to mark the start on site for the 1,200-pupil secondary school that is being constructed adjacent to the existing school buildings.
The redevelopment of Woodham Academy is being funded through the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme. It will include a swimming pool, sports hall, and fitness studio - all of which can be utilised by the local community out of school hours.
The development will use technologies such as air source heat pumps and PhotoVoltaic (PV) panels, which will reduce carbon emissions and contribute towards a cleaner environment. In addition, the proposal includes an increase in electric vehicle charging facilities, as well as cycle parking, encouraging pupils and staff to travel to school by these more sustainable modes of transport.
The school buildings are expected to be completed before September 2024 to allow occupation at the start of the new academic year. The demolition and fields will be finished in May 2025.
Danny Morgans, Deputy Headteacher at Woodham Academy, said: “We’re delighted to have broken ground on our new school and can’t wait to see the end product. The buildings will benefit our students and the local community for years to come.”
Cliff Wheatley, Managing Director of Galliford Try Building North East and Yorkshire, said: “Woodham Academy is a prime example of the high-quality facility that children in the region deserve. The energy efficient, low carbon facilities will provide an excellent learning environment for generations of young people in the area. We’re very proud to be part of the project.”