BAM Construction to begin work on Burton & South Derbyshire University Technical College
Hemel Hemstead, 20 October 2014 - BAM Construction is to build an £8.6 million University Technical College in the East Midlands. The contractor, which has offices in Derby, will deliver the Burton and South Derbyshire UTC (BSD UTC) with the refurbishment of an annexe at Burton Town Hall, in addition to the construction of a new building on adjacent land.
The BSD UTC is sponsored by Burton and South Derbyshire College and Coventry University, as well as key employers: Nestle, Royal Derby Hospital, Queen’s Hospital Burton, St. George’s Park and FA Learning. Set to open in September 2015, the UTC will combine core GCSE and A Level subjects with the technical specialisms of Bio-medical Sciences and Design Engineering.
University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are government-funded schools that offer 14-18 year olds an innovative learning environment. They teach students technical and scientific subjects in a whole new way and are educating the inventors, engineers, scientists and technicians of tomorrow. UTCs integrate technical, practical and academic learning and create an environment where students can thrive and develop the abilities that industry needs.
BAM construction director David Ellis said: ‘We are delighted to be delivering this important facility for Burton and South Derbyshire. This UTC will prepare pupils to fill valuable engineering and science jobs. We will use all our skills to ensure this project delivers benefits for pupils, teachers, local businesses and the wider community and environment.’
The project is due to start on site later this year and is due for completion next September. BAM won the right to negotiate the job when it secured the £10.5 million contract to build the Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology earlier this year. The contractor is also working on further UTCs at Derby and Sandwell.
It has worked extensively across the Midlands in recent years, including a major redevelopment of East Midlands Airport, the £34 million refurbishment of Derby Civic Offices, and the £26 million redevelopment of Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena.
The BSD UTC will be holding an open day on Saturday 8 November, 10 am - 12 noon at Burton and South Derbyshire College’s South Derbyshire Campus, William Nadin Way, Swadlincote, DE11 0BB. For more information about open days and to register for fast track entry, please visit www.bsdutc.co.uk.