Construction of a 72,300ft² multimillion-pound secondary school building in Middleton, the first of six within the northwest via the Department for Education's (DfE's) Modern Methods of Construction Framework, has been completed by the Wates Group.
Edgar Wood Academy welcomed its first intake of students in September. The school, designed by architects Sheppard Robson, will provide state-of-the-art education facilities for pupils between 11 and 16 years old. The building is operated by the Altus Education Partnership and features 23 general classrooms and 34 specialist classrooms alongside sporting facilities and outdoor recreation and leisure spaces.
Speaking about the project's completion Dave Saville, Managing Director, Wates Construction North, said: "Edgar Wood's completion provides a stellar example of how offsite construction can revolutionise the delivery of education builds. The lessons learnt on this build will support both Wates' other DfE projects procured via the Modern Methods of Construction Framework and help champion the use of MMC on other schemes across the country. Delivering this project efficiently was imperative to allow students to benefit from their improved facilities as quickly as possible. We hope the students and staff enjoy their new school and we look forward to our next completion as part of this framework."
The successful completion of the project came as a result of collaborative workings between Wates, the architects, and other parties involved in the construction. Wates appointed EOS Framing to design, engineer, and manufacture their advanced light steel Pre-Assembled Frames (PAF) infill system for the school. EOS successfully delivered on the project, the steel frame ensuring compliance with the regulatory 70% PMV set within the DfE's MMC framework agreement.
The precision engineered PAF infill system was manufactured, prefabricated and preassembled offsite in controlled factory conditions. EOS delivered the system to the site as assembled panelised units encapsulating light steel framing and external Siniat Weather Defence sheathing ready for glass mineral wool insulation and Siniat internal wall linings to be applied onsite. By using this system, speed of construction was faster than alternative build methods. EOS also provided professional guidance and support throughout the project to ensure maximum PMV.
Patrick Heisel, Projects Director, The Department for Education said: "We are excited and proud of the new facilities that have been provided to meet the educational needs of families in the Rochdale community, and we look forward to welcoming students from the surrounding areas to their new school."
Wates is currently working to deliver more schools through the same framework, with construction going ahead on the Star Salford Academy in Little Hulton, due for completion for the 2023-2024 school year.
Images: DfE/Sheppard Robson/Wates Construction/EOS Framing
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