Nottinghamshire school's £13m expansion creates 300 extra spaces

An expansion worth £13million has been completed at an academy in Nottinghamshire, offering 300 extra spaces. The final stage of the development was completed at Carlton le Willows Academy, on Burton Road, Gedling.

The project, which saw the construction of a two-storey building boasting 20 new classrooms, was funded by Nottinghamshire County Council. The new space - South Block - also provides a state-of-the-art performance space, a dining hall, office space and a new main reception which has united the previously split site by linking the East and West buildings.

The second and final phase of the development, which was carried out entirely by Clegg Construction, included extensive alterations and refurbishment in various parts of the existing school, including the conversion of the previous dining area and assembly hall into additional teaching space. South Block created capacity for a further 300 extra students at Carlton le Willows Academy to meet increasing local demand for school places.

Ross Crowcroft, pre-construction director at Clegg Construction, based in Lace Market, said: "Clegg Construction has had a long relationship with Carlton le Willows Academy, supporting the school in a number of improvement projects. We are delighted to have completed these latest two schemes, which provide additional first-class facilities for those already at the school, as well as allowing the school to expand the number of places it can offer to youngsters in the nearby community.

"As a Nottingham-based company, Clegg Construction takes particular pride in helping to improve the local education infrastructure and delivering facilities that will benefit future generations." The new building also uses smart technology to ensure long-term sustainability, including optimising natural light and using low-energy lighting throughout the building, natural ventilation and cooling, and underfloor heating.

A new car park with just under 100 spaces has also been constructed as part of the project.