Morgan Sindall wins Newcastle education work
The contractor has been appointed to deliver a new-build secondary school, Callerton Academy, one of two free schools that the Department for Education is building in conjunction with the Gosforth Group trust.
Space Architects has designed the scheme.
Callerton Academy opened for the first 120 Year 7 students in September 2021 in a newly refurbished and reconfigured school in Newcastle’s Grainger Town.
Help with transport to the temporary location has been provided for students while the new permanent home is being developed.
The DfE has now picked Morgan Sindall to undertake the project, which will see the creation of a permanent home for the academy to serve students in Callerton and surrounding areas.
The project comprises a multi-use three-storey building built around a central core that includes teaching facilities, a flexible space for dining, assemblies, and theatre, and an administration area.
Aiming for carbon-neutral, Callerton Academy will have a green roof, which, in addition to housing solar panels, is planted with grass, moss, and smaller plants, enhancing its environmentally friendly features.
Adjoining the main building will be a dedicated sports facility encompassing a gym, sports hall, and changing facilities. The sports amenities are designed to operate beyond school hours, providing opportunities for the local community. Outdoor spaces include a Multi-Use Games Area, three full-size pitch areas, a running track, and a small practice pitch behind the MUGA.
Construction has begun, with the project set to be completed in the summer of 2025; the facility is set to open for the 2025/26 academic year and is expected to accommodate approximately 650 students in the first year.
Alex Isted, North East director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Gosforth Group and Department for Education to create a world class learning environment for students at Callerton Academy. The development will have such a positive impact for young people in Newcastle in addition to bringing economic and social benefits for the wider community too.
“It’s fantastic to have this project underway and we look forward to helping bring the construction industry to life for young people in the local area.”
George Snaith, chair of trustees for Gosforth Group, said: “It is really exciting to see works commence on site after lots of planning and consultation with Morgan Sindall, DfE and Newcastle City Council. We can’t wait to see the new building start to take shape and our designs come to life.
“The current students at Callerton Academy are looking forward to following the progression of the build. The new school building will provide a stimulating purpose built learning environment for our students, with excellent facilities including a dedicated sports centre, which our local community can benefit from too.
“We look forward to opening the doors to students in 2025.”
Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey and Bellway are all amid housing projects in the Callerton area.
