BAM is appointed by Plymouth City Council to design and build All Saints Academy

The work is to be carried out as part of the Governments drive to invest in Academies across the Country. All Saints Academy Plymouth was one of 71 Academies awarded a capital funding grant in December 2010.

This project will invest £11.5 million in the Academy campus providing 4200 sq. m of new build (demolition of the 1960’s and 70’s buildings) and a complete remodelling and refurbishment of the 1980’s east wing building. On completion the Academy will be provided with extensive, flexible and adaptable learning spaces; a new theatre and creative arts areas and over £1 million of investment in new ICT facilities, furniture and equipment. There will also be extensive landscaping and new provision of sports facilities. The campus will have full DDA access for use by the community as well as the students.

It is estimated that 80 per cent of the contract value will be spent in the local economy, so it will directly contribute to the city's growth. As part of the contract, BAM Construction Ltd has committed to create apprenticeship opportunities, giving young people opportunities to train whilst in employment.

The Academy will hold a public consultation of the planned proposals on the 27 March between 5.30 and 7 pm in the Brunel Centre and the planning application will be made shortly after this.

Councillor Sam Leaves, Cabinet Member for children and young people, said: ‘I'm delighted that we've now appointed a contractor to carry out this significant project in the city. Not only is this great news for the school itself and young people in the city, it's also a real boost to the local economy. It will create jobs and apprenticeships for young people and it will ensure that those young people attending All Saints will benefit from excellent learning environments.’

Principal, Peter Grainger said: ‘All Saints C of E Academy is delighted with this announcement as it will allow us to deliver the sponsors vision to give our students and the community the very best opportunities on a first class campus.’

Graham Kingdon, Area Manager for BAM Construction Ltd, said: ‘We are very pleased to have been awarded preferred bidder on this contract, particularly after also winning the preferred bidder on Plymouth UTC and the Marine Academy Plymouth. Winning these contracts has been a key target for us as we want to invest in Plymouth as many of our staff and Supply chain partners live and work in the area. We see Plymouth as an up and coming city and an important place to be doing business. This is why we have targeted these contracts and have worked extremely hard to offer the city extremely good value for money.’

The decision to award the contract is being made by Cabinet following tendering exercise through the Partnership for Schools Construction Framework.

Further information:

• Mark Slattery, press and media manager, BAM Construct UK Ltd, 01442 238415;
• Angie Scott, corporate communications and press officer, Plymouth City Council.