Construction Works

Private Sector Partner announced for Hull’s ‘Early Phase’ of BSF Schools.

Hull’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) team has announced Balfour Beatty Construction Ltd (BB) as its first Private Sector Partner to deliver the ‘early phase’ of its £465m schools capital programme.

After extensive design discussions BB Construction are now moving forward with their exciting plans to design and build Sirius Academy, Ganton Special School and the Education Service for Hearing and Vision (ESHV). Subject to achieving financial close and planning consent, the new Sirius Academy will replace Pickering High School, with Ganton Special School and the ESHV co-located on the same site. This visionary new 'learning campus' is a landmark moment for BSF and its partners, which will establish a new state-of-the-art Academy and special school provision in the west area of the city.

The new Academy, which is sponsored by Hull College, was named by a Year 7 pupil Dez Greenwood after Sirius Star, the brightest in the night sky. It is due to open as an academy in the existing building this coming September (2009) and will transfer in September 2011 to its new building alongside Ganton School and the ESHV.

To support the Sirius Academy’s specialism in sport, design features include a six-court sports hall, three Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) and a 3G sports pitch and is certain to attract extensive use by both students and the local community. Just beyond the academy entrance there will be a fabulous open ‘heart space’ with large ‘pods’ housing ICT-rich specialist areas and an ‘eco-dome’ to enhance environmental sciences. The academy will make both an instant and lasting impression with its creative design and many exciting facilities such as dance studios, a hair and beauty salon and an external construction workshop, as well as opening its doors for extensive community use.

Pupils from Ganton Special School and the ESHV will have their own hydrotherapy pool and an exciting internal courtyard with a relaxing sensory garden. It will be a school unlike any other seen before in Hull.

Should BB Construction successfully progress designs for a 'second phase' of work they will go on to build a brand new Kelvin Hall School on its existing site for 1500 students.

Councillor Rick Welton, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Regeneration & Housing Strategy: "This is another key milestone towards improving the educational opportunities for the city's children. The new Sirius Academy will provide a great environment in which teachers and children can excel."

David Martin, BSF project director: "After almost three years of planning the new BSF strategy this is the first step of many towards delivering the transformation of learning in Hull so many have worked so hard to secure. Close behind this first appointment will be the second, much bigger appointment, due in September 2009, which will see either Balfour Beatty Capital or Esteem appointed to design and build all the other 19 secondary and special schools in the city between 2010 and 2015. The investment in schools is secured and the potential to change the landscape of Hull's schools and communities is just about to become a reality."

Dr Catherine Taylor, Principal of Sirius Academy: "The design proposal for Sirius Academy is both inspirational and creative. Students will benefit from outstanding teaching facilities which will transform their learning opportunities. The academy will offer an extensive range of traditional and vocational subjects at Key Stages 3-5 which will be enhanced by specialist provision, this has been planned to develop the dual specialism of Sport and Environmental Science. Sirius will provide a community teaching hub to promote lifelong learning within the local area. Our co-location with Ganton Special School and the ESHV is a very positive move and will further strengthen collaboration and partnerships within Hull."

Dave Donaldson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Construction Northern Ltd: "We are looking forward to building upon our long association with Hull and are delighted to be playing an important role in this exciting project that will preserve local employment and develop local training and supply chain opportunities."

Elaine McMahon, Chief Executive and Principal of Hull College: "Hull College, as the lead sponsor of the Sirius Academy, is delighted that Balfour Beatty have been appointed to build this exciting new Academy. The new building will provide excellent learning facilities that will help the young people of Hull and the East Riding achieve their potential. Our young people deserve the opportunity to learn in the best possible facilities and we are one step nearer to providing this opportunity in Hull. Congratulations to Balfour Beatty."

Back to Articles