BAM Construction has secured a £10.5 million contract to build the Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology. The project has now commenced on site.
The contractor, which has offices in Derby, is constructing the three-storey building for the Academy and its partners Djanogly Learning Trust and the University of Nottingham.
To be built on the site of the former Dunkirk Fire Station off the A52, the facility will have capacity for 800 young learners aged 14 to 19.
The academy, which is supported by companies including Toshiba, XMA, Siemens and Rolls Royce, will place a heavy emphasis on business-led project learning.
BAM is constructing a prominent landmark building that also provides a sheltered courtyard in the middle, protected by the academy buildings from the noise of the main road.
Mechanical ventilation will be used throughout the academy due to the proximity to the A52.
BAM is aiming for a BREEAM Very Good rating, with sustainability measures including solar panels on the roof.
BAM will work with children from the nearby Dunkirk Primary School to ensure they benefit from the construction project. By working with Nottingham Employment Hub, opportunities will be given to local firms to compete for subcontracts.
BAM project manager James Turner said: ‘We are very pleased to have been chosen to deliver this important facility for Nottingham.
‘Our success in securing opportunities working with academies, free schools and university technical colleges in 2013 shows BAM is trusted to create high quality education facilities at a time of economic hardship.
‘We will work hard to ensure this project delivers benefits for pupils, teachers, local businesses and the wider community and environment.’
BAM Design is responsible for structures and services design on the scheme; Bond Bryan is the architect.
BAM will have the opportunity to negotiate on three further academies in Derby, Burton and Sandwell as a result of winning the NUAST contract.
The contractor has a long history of working in the East Midlands and last year completed the highly sustainable 202-bed Orchard Hotel for the University of Nottingham.
