Ashe Construction has been awarded a significant £12m contract for extending Bedford Academy. This development will add a new block to the school, including 16 classrooms, a dining area, and more.
- The 60-week initiative by Bedford Borough Council is set to enhance educational facilities significantly.
- Designed by GSS Architecture, the project will achieve net zero carbon operation, integrating sustainable technologies.
- The addition will support the school’s growing population, accommodating an extra 300 students by 2029.
- Project management is overseen by Pick Everard, with completion aimed for August 2025.
Ashe Construction has secured a pivotal £12 million design and build contract to extend Bedford Academy’s facilities. This project, commissioned by the Bedford Borough Council, is scheduled to span over 60 weeks. Upon completion, the new extension, which is expertly designed by GSS Architecture, will provide the school with a robust infrastructure to accommodate an increasing student population.
The architectural plan features a two-storey building that will house 16 new classrooms, alongside essential facilities such as changing rooms, a dining area, and a community café. Emphasising environmental sustainability, the building is designed to be net zero carbon in operation. This is achieved through the integration of photovoltaic panels on the roof and the utilisation of air source heat pumps for heating purposes.
The new structure is part of a strategic plan to increase the capacity of Bedford Academy. Currently accommodating 1,350 pupils, the academy will be able to admit an additional 300 students, taking the total to 1,800 by 2029. The enhanced capacity aims to establish Bedford Academy as one of the largest secondary schools in the area.
A critical aspect of the building’s design includes advanced mechanical ventilation systems. The installation of heat recovery units in the ceiling voids, connected to façade louvres, will facilitate efficient air circulation. During colder months, heat generated from the air source pumps will be used to warm incoming air, while in summer, a night purge system will expel excess heat, maintaining optimal learning conditions.
Pick Everard has been appointed as the project manager, ensuring the scheme’s timely progression, with an expected completion by August 2025, ready for the upcoming academic year. This project procurement is managed through a Scape framework, highlighting a systematic approach to public sector construction projects.
Ashe Construction’s commitment to sustainable design and capacity expansion stands to significantly benefit Bedford Academy and its community.
