Member Article

Local architect begins work on multi-million academies project

A local architectural firm has been appointed by Carillion Construction limited to work on the £24.3 million Stockton Batched Academies project.

Ryder Architecture was selected from 12 original bidders to work on the project, which comprises of three academies - North Shore Health Academy and Thornaby Academy in Stockton Borough as well as Freebrough Academy in Redcar & Cleveland. The winning team was selected upon the quality of design and value for money as well as demonstrating the ability to deliver, and Ryder will now provide full design services across all three sites.

The largest of the three academies, the £17.8m North Shore Health Academy is the only NHS sponsored academy in the country. It will now be developed under the academies framework Design and Build Contracts.

The new building has been built around a double height heart space, which architects at Ryder believe creates an innovative and unusual design for the main academy. It also incorporates an unusual element – myplace, a facility that will be included on site to provide vocational training for 16-19 year olds.

In the design brief, Ryder’s director was asked to provide a solution that demonstrated affordability, high quality and innovative design features. He commented: “We have extensive experience of designing educational environments which significantly enhance capacity for learning whilst raising aspirations.

We are confident that our design not only satisfies the brief but goes beyond its requirements.“

Stockton Borough Council is acting as the delivery authority for the construction of this academy, and Councillor Ann McCoy is positive that Ryder will have a strong impact on the project.

She added: “We are delighted with the proposed designs and look forward to working closely with all three academies and seeing construction get underway.

“All three projects will create facilities which will help young people access an education they can be proud of and realise their aspirations and ambitions.

“The investment in the academies will also improve the lifestyles of young people, their families and the wider Tees Valley community.”

It is anticipated that work will start on site at the end of March. Atkins and TGP have also been nominated as part of the professional team, and will be working on mechanical and electrical engineering and landscaping respectively.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .