Construction firm Kier has completed work on Deer Park School, a new state-of-the-art secondary school to the Wildern Academy Trust.

Appointed by Hampshire County Council on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) as part of its National Free Schools Programme, the new school provides 1,050 new pupil places

In partnership with Hampshire County Council and the Wildern Academy Trust, Kier worked to a design concept by the County Council's award-winning Property Services Team to design and construct a three-storey main building which includes a central triple-height atrium plus 46 classrooms, a learning resource centre, ICT rich classrooms, science laboratories, art rooms, design and technology facilities and a music and drama space.

The main building is constructed using steel frame with brickwork facades and features a large photovoltaic array located on the roof for the school to benefit from renewable energy and cut down on running costs and carbon emissions. A rainwater harvesting tank has also been installed, with the stored water treated and pumped into the toilets at the school.

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In addition, to the main building there is also a new dedicated sports building, providing pupils access to a four-court sports hall, a multi-use activity studio and associated changing facilities. The external area offers up a variety of spaces for pupils to socialise and play including a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), various sport pitches and a 400m athletics track.

Kier worked closely with the local community throughout the project, providing 17 work placements to students from Eastleigh College and Fareham College, creating 11 jobs through the National Skills for Construction as well as hosting seven careers’ events with local schools in conjunction with the Construction Youth Trust. Kier also worked collaboratively with four of its local supply chain partners to develop training opportunities.

Mark Norris, regional director of Kier Construction London, the South & Strategic Projects, said: "We are delighted to handover Deer Park School. Working collaboratively with the Department for Education (DfE), Hampshire County Council and Wildern Academy Trust allowed us to deliver modern, vibrant learning spaces that will benefit pupils, teachers and the local community for years to come."