Willmott Dixon has commenced construction works on a multi-phase modular extension and refurbishment project at Iveshead School in Shepshed, Loughborough to accommodate new housing growth across the region.

The project, which was procured through the SCAPE Major Works Framework, is being funded by Leicestershire County Council and designed by CPMG Architects. It will bring the existing Iveshead Secondary School together into a single building while relocating St Botolph’s Church of England Primary School to the former Shepshed High School building.

The contractor, who has extensive experience working on live school campuses, will ensure each phase of the project is delivered safely and seamlessly to the agreed timescales, ensuring minimal disruption to nearby pupils and staff.

Due to complete in early 2022, Iveshead Secondary School will benefit from a full refurbishment, six-classroom extension, the creation of a school foyer entrance, outdoor canopy and hard play areas, staff and student cycle spaces, and new and enhanced pathways and external landscaping works. The former Shepshed High School building will then be refurbished to make its facilities suitable for younger pupils and the existing St Botolph’s Church of England Primary School will be demolished.

Nick Heath, director of delivery at Willmott Dixon, said:

“This is a significant scheme for Leicestershire County Council as it will accommodate the expanding community, improving educational facilities for local students. We’ve worked closely with the Council over the past 20 years on its school building programme and we are pleased to be working with the team again on this transformational scheme for the local community.

“Leaving a legacy in the communities we work in is incredibly important to Willmott Dixon, so helping to facilitate high-quality learning for current and future generations across the region is something we’re very proud of.”

Deborah Taylor, lead member for children and families at Leicestershire County Council said:

“We are delighted work has begun on this key development in Shepshed and are looking forward to seeing it progress.

“Ensuring we are providing more school places for children of all ages and abilities, particularly those with special educational needs or disabilities, is a key priority for us and this scheme will help us meet growing demand in Shepshed.”

As part of the project, Willmott Dixon will be delivering the equivalent of £490,000 social return on investment back into the local community through careers enrichment programmes and site visits, employability workshops and work experience for local students. In line with their newly launched 2030 ‘Now or Never’ Sustainability Strategy, the contractor will also be creating opportunities for Leicestershire-based SMEs or voluntary, community and social enterprises through local spend, expert business advice, equipment and resource donation. The development will also see 40% local labour and spend within 20 miles of the site.

Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said:

“The need for future generations to have access to outstanding educational environments has never been more pressing.

"Leicestershire County Council, with the support of Willmott Dixon, are leading this charge by delivering additional classroom spaces and state of the art facilities at Iveshed Secondary School.

"At SCAPE, we are proud to play our part in accelerating the delivery of these important upgrades and help to create engaging spaces that will give the children a lifelong passion for learning.”

Tom Ridley-Thompson, project lead at CPMG Architects, said:

“It has been rewarding to work closely with Willmott Dixon and Leicestershire County Council to transform these school facilities in Shepshed, Loughborough. The project combines a sensitive refurbishment of existing buildings, the extension of teaching facilities, and many improvements to the wider site. As well as responding to increasing requirements for pupil places, we are confident this will allow the schools to deliver an excellent standard of education to the local community for many years to come.”

This project is the latest in Willmott Dixon’s proud history of delivering vital education projects in Leicestershire. In Ashby de-la Zouch, the team are currently delivering a £5.5m contract to build Holywell Spring Farm Primary School, which once complete will create 210 much-needed school places within the local community.