The Callerton Academy project, a new build secondary school in progress, is aimed at accommodating approximately 1,400 pupils and is being developed under the leadership of Morgan Sindall Construction, in collaboration with Space Architects and MACE, who act as the Department for Education (DfE) Technical Advisor.
TGA are providing mechanical and electrical building services engineering for the project which consists of a multi-use three-storey building built around a central core – including teaching facilities, a flexible space for dining, assemblies and an administration area, as well as TGA’s Building Performance Team being tasked with achieving Net Zero Carbon.
The construction, which began a few months ago, is anticipated to conclude in the summer of 2025 with the school planning to open for the 2025/26 academic year.
Aiming for Net Zero Carbon, 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 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.
Similar to any project, there were a few more challenging aspects, such as the programme itself including fast-paced design stages, incorporating DfE, MACE and CEM process. The solution included allocating significant local resource and following a detailed schedule of deliverables.
TGA are following the Technical Annexes, which are the DfE’s Employer Requirements that all projects under the 2021 School Rebuilding and Free Schools programme must comply with. TGA consistently reviewed and ensured understanding of the revised DfE requirements including regular sessions with the DfE Technical Advisors. Collaboration with the design team and main contractor were extremely important through regular design reviews, coordination workshops and CEM’s.
With the design based on net zero carbon, the scheme should achieve this in operation. However, this can be challenging, as the intensity of energy use requires onsite energy generation. TGA’s Building Performance engineers focused and advised on a more thermally efficient building, with improved fabric performance and improved energy efficiency to drive a reduced energy use intensity in comparison to benchmark figures.
The Callerton Academy project exemplifies a modern, sustainable approach to educational infrastructure, combining state-of-the-art facilities with environmental responsibility. The collaborative efforts among TGA, Morgan Sindall Construction, Space Architects, MACE, the DfE, WSP, ONE Environments, Leybourne Urwin Ltd and McVickers Limited ensure that the project remains on track, overcoming challenges and setting a standard for future school constructions.
Graphics – Courtesy of SPACE Architects
Image Credit – Morgan Sindall Construction
