Work has started on a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly new building for a Derby primary school that was destroyed by fire.
St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy is set to be the UK’s greenest primary school as part of a pilot scheme for the Department for Education.
Groundworks on the school’s Broadway site are well underway and the build is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.
Based around biophilia – the design focuses on connecting those inside the building with nature, with the goal of promoting physical and mental health.
The aim is for the new building to be net zero carbon in operation – which means that the amount of carbon emissions added is no more than the amount taken away.
St Mary’s, which is part of St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, will be a series of single storey pavilions connected by a central canopy.
Each age group – early years, infants and juniors – has a practical shared learning resource space which can be used to support pupils’ academic, social and emotional development.
In addition, there is an entrance building featuring a hall, chapel and communal areas, which are connected to outdoor spaces.
St Mary’s original building, in Broadway, was destroyed by fire in October 2020 and the school has been based at St James House in Mansfield Road, Derby, since April 2021.
Amanda Greaves, Executive Headteacher at St Mary’s, said: “Multiple studies have shown that biophilic designs can significantly improve the physical and mental health of building users, namely pupils, staff and visitors.
“This is hugely exciting for the whole community and complements Pope Francis’ important messages urging world leaders to take ‘radical’ climate action.
“We are excited that the site will improve pupils’ academic, social, emotional and spiritual outcomes, as well giving pupils and staff a sense of place and belonging.
“We would like to thank our parents, carers and staff for all of their support, understanding and patience over the past 18 months. Whilst it has been a challenging time for the whole community, we are stronger as a result.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “This is fantastic news for the St Mary’s community and we look forward to seeing their wonderful new school, which will benefit hundreds of children in Derby for many years to come.”
Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fitout company, has been appointed as the main contractor for this project.
Simon Butler, Regional Managing Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: “We are proud to be the main contractor responsible for delivering this innovative pathfinder school for the DfE, as it will enhance pupil experience and influence the next generation of school design.
“We are working collaboratively to ensure the best possible learning environments are afforded for the pupils and teachers, with excellent standards of daylight, air quality, comfort and wellbeing. This is supported by the biophilic approach, focusing on landscaping and connecting building users with outside.”
