BAM Construct is to carry out a £9.5 million overhaul of the UK's only academy specialising in careers associated with the marine environment.

The contractor's BAM Construction Western team has been awarded a contract to deliver refurbishment and new build works at Marine Academy Plymouth.

Working with architects Stride Treglown, BAM will transform the academy's estate in two phases starting in July 2012, completing the main building for a September 2013 opening with exterior works ending in December 2013.

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The academy will remain operational throughout, and pupils will be able to use significant elements of the new facilities from November 2012. Work will include remodelling the 1980s-built science wing and ICT suite; building a three-storey block to house a range of facilities, which will also be available for use by the local community, including a theatre and dance-studio; and demolition of residual buildings.

A key part of the brief was to re-orientate the focus of the buildings on the site, providing new contemporary elevations of both remaining and newly constructed buildings to give a more dramatic and inspirational view of the sea. This will provide an inspirational beacon for learning.

Marine Academy Plymouth specialises in the marine environment, with a focus on science and engineering. The new building will have capacity for 1,152 pupils aged from 11 to 18.

(CD)