BAM chosen for £21 million Great Western Academy, Swindon
Hemel Hempstead, 8 July 2016 - BAM Construction’s Western team has been engaged by the EFA as the construction partner to create the proposed new £21 million building for Great Western Academy (GWA) in Swindon.
The three-storey secondary teaching and learning school will provide for 1,210 pupils. The building will provide study and teaching facilities for the delivery of a full secondary and post-16 curriculum with a major focus on business, enterprise and technology. The proposal requires approval from the local planning authority and BAM is co-hosting a public consultation on Wednesday 20 July. BAM recently delivered the highly regarded Swindon UTC.
Pat Griffin, BAM’s Design Manager, said: ‘One reason we have a strong track record in the education field is that we are a collaborative company, and what drives our work is a thorough understanding of our client's needs and forming successful partnership with them. Part of that involves understanding their community and the people whom their building serves, so the consultation is important to us and we look forward to hearing the views of local people.’
Graham Taylor, Principal of New College Swindon and Project Lead for the GWA bid, said: ‘This is an exciting community project which will provide a much-needed, new school for Swindon; the third fastest growing town in the country. We aim to prepare learners for further study and the world of work, business & enterprise with a big focus on using IT and digital technologies to do this. BAM was appointed after a rigorous selection process and we are delighted to have them on board. They have a great record in the education sector and I believe that they will deliver a fantastic building with the best facilities in the area.’
The current design, developed by award-winning international design practice Scott Brownrigg, includes modern, state-of-the-art facilities for IT, Science and Maths, Design and Technology and the Creative Arts (Music, Drama and Dance). Sports facilities include a Sports Hall, outdoor football pitches, and a multi-use games area.
Construction is scheduled to start in January 2017 and conclude by July 2018, ready for school opening in September 2018. The location is at Tadpole Farm in North West Swindon.
Further information: Helena Rushton (Rosie), Communications Officer, BAM Construct UK Ltd, 01442 238402.