Morgan Sindall Construction has celebrated a major milestone in the delivery of Horizons Academy, a state-of-the-art specialist educational needs (SEN) school in Mansfield, with a ceremonial signing event marking the completion of its timber frame structure.

Set to open in November, the £30 million project will provide a dedicated learning environment for up to 160 children with special educational needs. The new school is part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s wider strategy to meet the growing demand for specialist school places, ensuring children have the support and facilities they need to thrive.

The ceremonial event, held to commemorate the successful installation of the structural elements, was attended by Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, along with other local councillors, representatives from Diverse Academies Trust, and Arc Partnership. Arc Partnership, a joint venture between SCAPE and the county council, has overseen the design, cost, and project management of the scheme.

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With the structural envelope now complete, the project will move into the next phase, focusing on the internal fit-out, with external works scheduled for completion in the Spring.

Procured through SCAPE, a leading public sector procurement specialist, the project has had a significant positive impact on the local economy. Nearly 50% of the workforce live within 20 miles of the site, and 63% of the project spend has been directed towards SMEs in the local area, boosting the economy and delivering meaningful social value.

Sustainability has been a core focus of the project, with Morgan Sindall and Arc Partnership working closely to achieve a substantial reduction in embodied carbon. By opting for a Structural Insulated Panel System (SIPS) over a traditional steel frame, the project has saved more than 750 tonnes of CO2e, the equivalent of heating 280 UK homes annually.

This project builds on the successful partnership between Morgan Sindall, Nottinghamshire County Council, and Arc Partnership, which has already delivered Bingham Primary School and Millside Spencer Academy in 2022 and 2023. The team is also currently working on the county council’s new low-carbon office, Oak House.

Richard Fielding, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Midlands, said: "It's an incredible achievement to reach this construction milestone, especially on a project where the end-goal will see children with social, emotional, and mental health needs get the support they need to learn and be inspired.

"It's always a pleasure to continue our relationship with Nottinghamshire County Council, Arc Partnership, and SCAPE, collaborating to strengthen Nottingham’s communities and help the next generation unlock their full potential. The demand for SEN schools is rising, so it means a lot to deliver the school places that local families need through our work."