News: BAM to construct Maltby Academy

BAM Construct UK has been awarded a £10.9m contract to upgrade Maltby Academy in Rotherham.

The contractor will deliver two new buildings as well as refreshing, remodelling and refurbishing other parts school's estate.

BAM will build a new business and enterprise centre, which will become the front of the reworked academy and a facility for the community as well as students.

The contractor will also deliver a purpose built sports science facility and convert the old gymnasium for use in the performing and creative arts.

Rotherham-based education technology specialists, U-Explore is the lead sponsor of Maltby Academy, which is home to 1,200 students. Enterprising learning is central to the ethos of the academy, enabling students to be "qualified" to confidently enter the world of work with not only the necessary qualifications to succeed, but also an understanding of how to apply themselves in work and life.

The business and enterprise centre will be placed at the heart of the new campus, described as "an academy ready for business."

Designed by Sheffield architects, Bond Bryan, the three storey building will offer a variety of corporate, open plan and cellular business centre-style spaces and bring together learning centres, classrooms, IT suites and seminar and conference areas.

David Sutton, principal at Maltby Academy, said: "This is a terrific opportunity for the Maltby Learning Community with specialised facilities befitting to learning in the 21st Century. The learning spaces will all have access to the latest technology and use ICT as a tool to transform learning and teaching within and beyond the Learning Community."

Paul Cleminson, project director at BAM, added: "It is very pleasing that BAM will be able to use its extensive skills and experience to create an innovative and exciting environment for students in Rotherham.

"We have worked hard to understand the ambition for Maltby Academy and are confident we will deliver learning spaces that students and the community can be proud of."

BAM will start on site in June 2012 and the buildings will be fully operational in September 2013 for the start of the academic year. Full completion will follow shortly afterwards.

Maltby Academy was the only Rotherham school to receive government funding as the coalition government stopped £98m of Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects at Abbey SEN, Aston, Hilltop SEN, Milton, Oakwood, St Pius and Swinton in 2010.

Maltby Academy website
BAM website

Images: Maltby Academy / Bond Bryan