Morgan Sindall Construction has initiated work on Star Radcliffe Academy's new permanent facility in Greater Manchester, UK.

The project involves the academy, a 750-place secondary school catering to students aged 11-16, moving from temporary facilities to the construction of a permanent building.

Operated by Star Academies, a multi-academy trust handling 36 schools, the school on Spring Lane is set to welcome Year 7 pupils by next September.

The permanent school building will provide additional assembly space, science labs, classrooms, a school kitchen, and a new outdoor play area.

The new building, a three-storey, 6,000m² 'superblock', will include external works and sports provision along with a new access road and drop-off area.

The building is designed to be net-zero in operation, featuring an energy-efficient design, renewable energy generation, and low-carbon technologies. This aligns with the UK's net-zero goals and aims to reduce running costs for the school.

The school's sustainability features are bolstered by a stormwater management system made from 100% recycled, carbon-neutral materials, which claims to lessen the need for deep underground tanks and reduces excavation and waste.

Morgan Sindall will focus on minimising disruption throughout the construction process.

A ground-breaking ceremony comprising Morgan Sindall staff, as well as representatives from the UK's Department for Education, Bury Council, and Star Academies marked the commencement of the project.

Star Radcliffe Academy principal Paul Johnson said: “We are delighted with the pace at which construction is progressing on our permanent home and it is incredibly exciting to see our vision for Star Radcliffe Academy becoming a reality.

“The new building will provide an exceptional learning environment for our pupils, equipped with modern classrooms, cutting-edge technology, and excellent sports and recreational facilities. These resources will not only enhance our pupils’ education but also provide a wealth of opportunities for personal development, enrichment and future success.

“We’re looking forward to moving into our state-of-the-art facilities by September 2026, and establishing the school as a beacon of the community for today’s young people and future generations.”

This February, Morgan Sindall Construction completed the structural elements for the £30m Horizons Academy development in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, a specialist educational needs school.