Morgan Sindall Construction appointed to first phase of Southampton’s first all-through school

Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed as preferred bidder to deliver planning and design on the first phase of a major project to build Southampton’s first all-through school. The main contractor has also been selected as preferred bidder for the full contract.

The expansion of St Mark’s Church of England Primary School into an all-through school is being delivered on behalf of Southampton City Council under a pre-construction services agreement, via the Pagabo national framework for major construction works.

St Mark’s will offer primary and secondary education on one site, creating over 900 much-needed new school places.

Morgan Sindall Construction is currently finalising a multi-million pound enabling works package, including the provision of a temporary school for the current primary school activities.

Following planning approval and the delivery of the enabling works, construction work is expected to begin later this year and is due to complete in autumn 2022.

Cliff Kinch, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re very proud to be working with Southampton City Council on delivering the enabling package for this landmark new school and are delighted to be the preferred bidder for the main contract.
The new school will have a vital role to play in the provision of first-class educational facilities for a new generation of students in Southampton, enhancing the choice of school places available to students and parents in the city of Southampton.
We have a successful working relationship with Southampton City Council and look forward to continuing to build on this through the lifetime of this project.”

Councillor Darren Paffey, Southampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Aspiration, Children and Lifelong Learning, said: “We’re fully committed to investing in our young people and their education, and this planning approval means we can now press on with this ambitious project to create hundreds of much-needed school places.”
This is a major construction project and we are mindful of the impact that works can have on the nearby community. We will be keeping local residents and businesses updated as the project progresses and do what we can to keep any disruption to a minimum.”

Jeff Williams, Director of Education at the Diocese of Winchester, said: “We’ve been working in partnership with Southampton City Council on the planned expansion that will offer young people in the city fantastic facilities and an educational environment in which they can thrive. We’re really pleased that the project can move forward and excited to see work begin in the coming months. We’re confident that the finished school will stand as a real beacon of the Church of England’s commitment to supporting more children, of all faiths and none, in flourishing and reaching their potential.”

Stephanie Bryant, Head teacher at St Mark’s Church of England Primary School, said: “As the head teacher of this expanding school, I am ecstatic that we have the planning permission to build what will be an exceptional educational establishment and sports facility, for students and the wider community.”

Morgan Sindall Construction has delivered a number of major projects in Southampton including the luxury 435-bedroom Vita Student complex in Portswood, which consists of Belmont House and Grosvenor House, and includes extensive communal areas, including a tiered cinema room, private dining room, a 24/7 accessible gym and a games area.

The company also recently completed a £28 million state-of-the-art sports facility for Solent University. The new building offers sport and physical activity space for all students and staff at the university and includes two sports halls, three fitness studios, a health and well-being gym, a strength and conditioning high performance gym and high-quality teaching facilities. The scheme also features an underground car parking facility.

• For more information about this news release please contact Ruth Cobban at Influential on 0151 239 5000 or email cobban@thisisinfluential.com