Willmott Dixon has started enabling works on the £50m redevelopment of Oulton Academy in Leeds, following planning approval for a new 1,350-place secondary school.
The Department for Education-backed project will replace ageing school buildings, some dating to the 1950s, with modern teaching and community facilities.
Following preparatory work during the summer holidays, Willmott Dixon began installing site hoardings in early October to separate construction activity from the operational school. The academy, part of Carlton Academy Trust, will remain open throughout the redevelopment.
Managing construction on a live campus
The multi-year programme will carefully sequence demolition and construction to minimise disruption to teaching.
Initial works include new access roads, drainage systems, water storage tanks and temporary staff parking. Construction of a new multi-use games area and sports centre parking facilities will follow.
Revised access arrangements, traffic marshals and protected pedestrian routes will help manage construction traffic alongside pupils and staff.
Expanded teaching and community facilities
The development includes a new two- and three-storey teaching building, a separate sports centre and refurbishment of the existing performing arts hall.
Additional football pitches, landscaped outdoor learning areas, cycle storage, EV charging and improved pedestrian access are also planned.
School capacity will increase from approximately 1,275 to 1,350 pupils, with expanded community access to sporting and performing arts facilities.
Academy Principal John Higgins said:
“The new building will not only transform the learning environment for our students but will also become a hub for the local community.”
Source & image credit: Oulton Academy
