John Graham Construction announced as main contractor for Ebbsfleet academy.
- The academy will accommodate over 2,200 students across primary and secondary levels.
- Construction is progressing, aiming for completion by July 2026.
- The academy includes a sports hall, pitches, and ample facilities.
- Henley Camland leads the development within the Ebbsfleet Garden City project.
John Graham Construction has been entrusted as the primary contractor for the monumental task of developing Alkerden Academy, set within the burgeoning Ebbsfleet Garden City in Kent, a project valued at £80 million. The academy is poised to become one of Kent’s largest educational establishments, offering more than 2,200 educational placements across primary and secondary levels, effectively addressing the educational needs of the growing community.
Situated on an expansive 11-hectare plot in the Whitecliffe Eastern Quarry Development, Alkerden Academy will be comprised of a five-storey secondary school with eight-form entry, complemented by a two-storey primary institution. In addition, the academy will feature a community sports hall and sports pitches, enhancing the recreational facilities available to residents and encouraging community engagement.
Currently under construction, the project aims for completion by July 2026. This ambitious timeline underscores the commitment to providing vital educational infrastructure alongside community amenities, ensuring the integration of the academy into the fabric of the local environment.
Eastern Quarry Limited (EQL), the client for this project, is directed by Henley Camland LLP, a joint venture resulting from the collaboration between Henley Investment Management and Camland Developments. Ian Rickwood, representing Henley, articulated that “The new Alkerden Academy, a major educational hub and community sports facility, is at the heart of our plans for this development.”
Complementing the educational structure, Alkerden Village is designated to host approximately 1,700 homes, along with a market centre that will encompass a supermarket, gym, and the newly established school. This strategic development underscores the master plan set by Henley Camland for Whitecliffe, aiming to create an extensive community network within the former quarry area.
Pat O’Hare, a regional director at Graham, emphasised the academy’s role as a crucial component in the Whitecliffe development, highlighting its dual function in providing both educational advantages and recreational opportunities to the Ebbsfleet Valley community. His statement further reiterated Graham’s commitment to meeting the highest standards of sustainability and creating an enriching environment for both students and local residents.
The Alkerden Academy project exemplifies Graham’s proficiency in managing large-scale developments, promising significant benefits to the Ebbsfleet community.
