Blog

Work has begun on a new school hailed as an ‘investment’ in the city’s future. Due to open in September 2024, Bluecoat Trent Academy is currently under construction where Nottingham College’s now-demolished former Clarendon campus stood on Pelham Avenue near Carrington.

The 1,200-seat secondary school will include a teaching block with an adjoining sports centre, catering and dining facilities, planting of new trees, play areas and an external learning space. There will also be student, visitor and staff bike parking, service area trash storage, and secure boundary fencing.

Locals said they were pleased to see the old university building make way for the new school. Terry Allen, 33, who lives in Carrington and works in hospitality, said: “I’ve noticed there’s not much for people in this area, not a lot of schools. It will be a lot easier for the families around.” here to send your kids to school, it’s also just off a main street.

Poll: Should the UK deal better with snow? Give us your opinion here

“It’s a great place for a new school because there are a lot of houses nearby and for the kids there is also a great park (Forest Recreation Ground) nearby.

Kyle French, 23, and Toni Bryan, 21, who lived in Carrington, also supported the project. “It was really about time they replaced the university, it was falling apart,” French said.

“There aren’t many places to go to school in the city, I can see why they would need more places.” Ms Bryan added: “It’s a good investment for the future. It’s a good thing for the area.”

Bowmer + Kirkland, who are building the new school, recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of Bluecoat Trent Academy. They were joined by members of Nottingham City Council, members of the Department for Education, as well as staff from the Archway Learning Trust and members of construction consultancy Gleeds.

Claire McManus, Head of Bluecoat Trent Academy, said: “It was fantastic to attend the recent groundbreaking ceremony at what will be our permanent site.

“We’ve loved being involved in the planning process for the building to date, so getting the chance to visualize the school on-site was a really exciting time. Now we look forward to getting students involved in the project as we prepare to move in” . September 2024″.

A total of £30m will be invested in Bluecoat Trent Academy, including over £5m in council grants. Tom Jolley, Associate Principal at Bowmer and Kirkland, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by the Department for Education to design and deliver the Bluecoat Trent Academy for the Archway Learning Trust. It is truly exciting to be part of the process that will provide 1,200 student places in vital need in the heart of the city, regenerating the site formerly occupied by Clarendon College.

“Our building design reduces carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy and a thermally efficient building envelope. Bowmer and Kirkland’s social value team will ensure we support the local economy and work with Nottingham City Hub and the local universities to provide employment and training opportunities.

An arson attack is suspected to have been carried out in the old building when it was being demolished in May last year. Local businesses filed complaints when demolition work previously affected their business and staff.

Are you planning an event for the Coronation of King Carlos III? let us know here

READ NEXT: