Algeco UK has completed the state-of-the-art £28million Northampton School in record time using volumetric modular technology.
Northampton School is the biggest school build ever undertaken by Algeco UK, which was secured through the MMC Framework for the Department of Education (DfE). The site, which is one of the most modern learning facilities in the UK, was completed by the industry-leading supplier of portable and modular buildings within just 18 months.
The school, which is run by the Northampton School for Boys (NSB) Academy Trust, is a state-of-the-art facility for the teaching of secondary school pupils, with dedicated sports, drama, science, music rooms, and much more. The school will eventually accommodate a total of 1,200 boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 18 from across Northamptonshire.
The buildings were created utilising modern methods of construction (MMC) in a quality-controlled offsite environment, ensuring the highest standards of workmanship and health and safety. Algeco developed the project through a two-phase approach that followed the receipt of the DfE’s feasibility approval. It was designed in collaboration with the school and all stakeholders and manufactured using an MMC approach, which involved constructing the school in modules and transferring them to site following completion.
This method means the build was completed within just 18 months compared to the typical three-year time frame. Algeco’s experts started laying the foundations in January 2023. A total of 210 modules were created at the company’s factory in Carnaby and transported by road to the Northampton site. The company also provided temporary decant classrooms and all of the construction site welfare and associated services while the main building was being constructed.
Phil Pavey, Managing Director at Algeco Offsite Solutions (OSS), said: “This is one of the most exciting projects Algeco UK has worked on – planning and constructing a series of buildings to ensure the students of Northampton have the best possible education has been very motivational for all of us. We sincerely hope the new Northampton School is a place the teachers and students find welcoming and inspirational, as well as being a fantastic focal point in the community.”
Gary Greenhoff, Algeco Offsite Solutions (OSS) Project Manager added: “Using modular construction meant this facility was ready much faster than traditional methods, and the flexibility it offered means the school has everything it could want and much more. I’m immensely proud of the school, everyone has worked very hard to make this an amazing facility for the people of Northamptonshire. There were a few challenges along the way, including the heavy rain in the spring, but we overcame them all and was ready to hand the school over to the teachers and pupils ready for term-time.”
Algeco UK would like to thank all the 137 staff and contractors involved in the project. In particular, the company would like to credit: Sean Brind, Contract Manager; Abbass Mahmood, Senior Quantity Surveyor; Gary Greenhoff, Project Manager; Alison Orme, Design Manager; Ashley James, Head of Design; Mike Swain, Site Manager and Harrison Parkin, Assistant Site Manager.
For more information visit: www.algeco.co.uk
Image: A total of 210 modules were created at the Algeco UK factory in Carnaby and transported to the Northampton site
Source: Offsite Magazine – Issue 45
