Contractor named for net-zero Wigan school

BAM has been appointed through the Department for Education’s (DfE) high value framework to redevelop Fred Longworth High School in Wigan, Greater Manchester.

The £24M contract will see the contractor create a three-storey teaching block, which will be net-zero carbon in operation.

A second phase of works will involve the demolition of the majority of the existing school and construction  of new sports pitches. This part of the project is due to be ready for spring 2024. 

The scheme is said to build on the DfE’s new approach to sustainability, by further developing innovation and methods from its initial pathfinder projects.

Restricted access means BAM will develop carefully co-ordinated traffic access and logistics plans and it has already taken steps to reduce deliveries and carbon emissions by increasing storage solutions on site.

BAM’s Regional Director Ian Fleming said: “We have a very strong track record in the education sector across the UK and here in the North West, where we have delivered education facilities serving some 7,000 students over the past five years.

The new school building is due to be handed over in September 2023.