Construction firm Willmott Dixon has been selected to develop the £19.7million Brian Clarke Church of England Academy in Oldham.

The project for The Cranmer Education Trust will create a 1,200 place school situated on an easily accessible, town centre site on Booth Street, benefitting from existing public transport links, providing catchment for young people across a wide geographical area.

It is the Trust's ambition that the building will include an original and unique piece of art, potentially a stained-glass window, designed and produced by the school’s patron Brian Clarke, the Oldham born and world renowned artist.


Cranmer Education Trust CEO Julie Hollis said: "We are very excited to announce our proposed site and also let the people of the borough of Oldham take a look at these impressive images and plans. We are so pleased to be working with Oldham born artist Brian Clarke, whom the school is named after, and Oldham based contractors Willmott Dixon. We anticipate a whole range of events and opportunities for those interested in the Brian Clarke CE Academy to learn much more about the new school."

Anthony Dillon, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon in the North: "We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with The Cranmer Education Trust and the Department for Education on their vision for a bright and inspiring place to learn at the Brian Clarke Church of England Academy.

"The project follows our successful handover of Dixons Trinity Academy in 2020, where we were recognised by Department for Education at their Capital Awards through winning their prestigious 'Going Above & Beyond in Covid19' award. With our local supply chain, coupled with our coronavirus safe working practice knowhow, we look forward to progressing with the build and generating prosperity in the local area."