Morgan Sindall Construction has marked a major milestone in the delivery of Horizons Academy, a new state-of-the-art, specialist educational needs (SEN) school in Mansfield, with a structure signing event.
On track to hand over in November, the £30 million new school will provide a dedicated learning environment for up to 160 children with special educational needs.
The school also forms part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s wider strategy to address the increasing demand for specialist school places by ensuring they have access to the support and facilities they need to thrive.
To celebrate the successful installation of structural elements on the project, a ceremonial signing event of the timber frame was held. Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, was joined by fellow councillors, plus representatives from Diverse Academies Trust, and Arc Partnership – a joint venture between SCAPE and Nottinghamshire County Council responsible for the design , cost, and project management of the scheme.
With the structural envelope complete, the project will now turn its attention to the internal fit-out, with externals set to follow in the Spring.
Procured via SCAPE, a leading public sector procurement specialist, committed to delivering efficiency and social value in construction, the project has had a significant impact to the local area. To date, close to 50% of the workforce live within 20 miles of the site, while 63% of the total project spend has been with SMEs within this area, helping boost the local economy and generate meaningful social value.
Sustainability also remains at the forefront of the project. Working in collaboration with Arc Partnership, Morgan Sindall helped achieve a substantial reduction in embodied carbon. The selection of a Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) over of a traditional steel frame, for example, saved more than 750 tonnes of CO2e – the equivalent of heating 280 UK homes annually.
This project marks the ongoing collaboration between Morgan Sindall, Nottinghamshire County Council, and Arc Partnership. The relationship has successfully handed over Bingham Primary School and Millside Spencer Academy in 2022 and 2023 and is currently working on the council’s new low-carbon office, Oak House.
Councillor Sam Smith, County Council Leader, saw first-hand how much the building has progressed. Describing why the council is proud to invest this £30m project, he said: “We are committed to meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND, and their families, and to providing much-needed special school places in Nottinghamshire. It is vital we invest in our future generations.”
Sara Williams, Deputy Managing Director at Arc Partnership, said: “Horizons Academy is a special project for us with Arc Partnership designing, cost and project managing this bespoke school. Particular attention has been given to how the design supports the particular needs of these young people, considering their movement around school and accommodating sensory zones and calm spaces to better support the pupils. It was great to celebrate the school’s progress with Nottinghamshire County Council, and we look forward to seeing how it benefits pupils and the wider community.”
Richard Fielding, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Midlands, said: “It’s an incredible achievement to reach this construction milestone, especially on a project where the end-goal will see children with social, emotional, and mental health needs get the support they need to learn and be inspired.
“It’s always a pleasure to continue our relationship with Nottinghamshire County Council, Arc Partnership, and SCAPE, collaborating to strengthen Nottingham’s communities and help the next generation unlock their full potential. The demand for SEN schools is rising, so it means a lot to deliver the school places that local families need through our work.”
