Construction appointed to £7.1 million refurbishment of Bedford academy school

Work has started on a £7.1 million project to redesign and refurbish Goldington Academy in Bedford.

Morgan Sindall Construction will deliver the project for the Department for Education (DfE) via the DfE framework. The project will create 150 new student places and elevate the academic experience for local school users.

Works will see the main classroom buildings undergo extensive mechanical and electrical renovation, with new ceilings, floors and decoration, as well as upgraded ventilation, air conditioning and heat recovery systems.

The project is part of wider plans by Bedford Borough Council to transition schools in the Borough from a three-tier education system (with lower, middle and upper schools) to a two-tier system (with primary and secondary schools).

Construction will take place over seven phases, with the majority of the school remaining open while work is ongoing. Groups of students will be relocated in phases during the works into eight temporary teaching spaces which have been created to enable them to stick to a regular academic timetable and ensure minimal disruption to lessons.

The project supply chain will be drawn from the local area wherever possible to ensure the positive impact of the development is felt within the regional economy. The Morgan Sindall Construction team will engage with the local community throughout the project’s lifecycle and will be taking part in various community-focused activities, including a neighbourhood week in early September.

David Rowsell, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We are very pleased to have been appointed to deliver this important renovation for Goldington Academy, which will expand the college, future-proof education provision in Bedford and create a contemporary, spacious, and inspiring environment for students.
“The local community is at the heart of the work we do and Morgan Sindall Construction is committed to delivering a positive social legacy, and ensuring our projects provide social, economic and environmental benefits within the areas we work.
“We look forward to furthering our positive collaborative relationship with the DfE and Goldington Academy to ensure we achieve the best results for the school and wider community.”

Construction is expected to start in late summer and finish in spring 2021.

Morgan Sindall Construction is delivering a number of key developments across the Northern Home Counties, including a comprehensive mixed-use development, which will transform St Albans city centre for St Albans and District City Council.

The company is also nearing completion on a new £6.8 million primary school, Abbey View Primary Academy, at the former Daws Hill RAF site in High Wycombe, which is being delivered for Buckinghamshire County Council.

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