UK-based Morgan Sindall Construction has chosen to work on a £39m project to transform a Grade II-listed radio station into a secondary school in Houlton, UK.
Urban&Civic, the master developer of the site, has commissioned the project in partnership with Aviva Investors, Warwickshire County Council and the Department for Education. The new community is being developed on the outskirts of Rugby.
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Urban&Civic development director Richard Coppell said: “The progress already made by Morgan Sindall Construction on this project is significant, especially during very challenging conditions.
“The transformation of this landmark building is a welcomed signal of progress and optimism for the local community who are rightly excited about the unique and inspiring school for their children, only a short stroll from home.”
The new school forms part of the outline planning approval for the urban extension of Houlton. The site will feature extensive green spaces and local amenities along with o schools and homes when completed.
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Upon completion, the 123,100ft² educational facility will provide services to over 1,000 students. Transforming Lives Educational Trust (TLET) will operate the facility.
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By GlobalData“A key element of the work is to sympathetically extend the Grade II listed transmission hall of the former Rugby Radio Station which, at the height of its power in the mid-20th century, was the largest in the world. In 1927 the site transmitted the first transatlantic radio signal,” Morgan Sindall said in a statement.
As part of the project, construction crews will remove the roof while retaining the existing masonry walls. They will also insert a new steel frame to create four additional floors for teaching within the building.
The work will also include the conversion of the former power room into an assembly hall and canteen. Furthermore, two additional teaching blocks will be constructed along with a Sport England-compliant activity hall.
Construction on the project is set to be completed in time for the new academic year in 2021.
Morgan Sindall Construction’s area commercial director in the Midlands Darren Eaton said: “As a business with our national headquarters in Rugby, we’re well aware of the historical significance of the site and of the expectation that the new school will be an inspiring learning environment befitting its groundbreaking heritage.
“Transforming a listed building into a modern secondary school with the capacity to teach 1,000 pupils is a challenging brief, but one we are ideally placed to fulfil, and we’re incredibly pleased to get work underway.”
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The secondary school is set to be completed in time for the new academic year in 2021. (Credit: Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd)
