The expansion of the Deanes Academy in Benfleet, Essex, is moving forward ahead of its scheduled completion this summer.

Pick Everard is providing full design and engineering services for the new school block, working in partnership with main contractor, Cadman Construction.

This project will see a 1970s school block demolished and a new building constructed, consisting of science laboratories, art, graphics and food rooms, as well as office facilities and special educational needs and disability (SEND) spaces.

It is also expected to be one of the first projects in East Anglia to be delivered through the Department for Education (DfE) Construction Framework.

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Paul Darlow, regional director at Pick Everard, said: "Having had little upgrades since its initial build in the 1970s, the technology block at The Deanes Academy was identified as needing significant modernisation. Due to the block not being watertight, energy efficient or up to current regulatory standards, the decision was made to demolish the building and construct a new, state-of-the-art block in its place.

"The project proposes to construct a two-storey 1,478m2 new building containing nine specialist classrooms, office and ancillary facilities with a maximum capacity of 344 students and teachers. The new building aspires to high standards of sustainable design and operation optimising passive daylight design, natural ventilation with a high efficiency thermal fabric.

"In order to minimise disruption to the site, the construction team has reconfigured car parking and vehicle access to suit the proposals. The project team is working closely with the school to develop a programme of complementary learning activities while the project is on site.

"School engagement will enable students to understand the complexities of building design and learn more about developing careers in building design and construction. Work is now progressing well and we look forward to seeing it complete very soon."

(CM)