A year-long project to teach students about architecture and construction has given one year 9 pupil from Blackley in Manchester the opportunity to design and build a new outdoor teaching and break out area at her school.

The Co-operative and BAM Construction launched the project last year with SCAPE, a teacher/architect team, as part of its community commitment and support for education following completion of The Co-operative’s brand new head office at 1 Angel Square in Manchester.


Alessandra Ozuzu, 14, one of eight students who took part in the project at The Co-operative Academy of Manchester, has seen her design for an outdoor shelter become a reality after it was selected by fellow students at the academy as well as pupils from local primary schools.

BAM Construction and Plincke architects worked alongside the pupils to make sure that the winning design could actually be built.

Tony Grindrod, Construction Manager, of Salford-based BAM Construction said: "I cannot think of a more fitting way to mark the completion of 1 Angel Square than to work with the next generation of builders and designers to create Alessandra’s innovative design.

"To complete this very enjoyable project we worked with our sub-contractors from the Co-operative HQ construction team; AE Yates, Gariff, Fisher, Davco Roofing and Stonehouse Projects."

(CD/IT)