Morgan Sindall Construction's London business has completed a major expansion and refurbishment of Burlington Junior School in New Malden, marking the handover of the upgraded facilities with a formal opening event.

The milestone was celebrated with a gathering of representatives from Morgan Sindall, councillors from the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, members of not-for-profit organisation Achieving for Children, TPM Studio architects, and school governors. Deputy Mayor Sue Ansari and The Right Honourable Edward Davey officially opened the development by cutting ribbons to two buildings, before touring the new facilities and attending pupil performances.

Appointed by the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames through the Southern Construction Framework, Morgan Sindall delivered the refurbishment of the school’s existing Victorian building alongside the construction of a new 2,800 sq m, three-storey teaching block. The works have increased the school's capacity by 120 pupil places while providing modern, high-quality learning environments.

The project was delivered through a carefully phased programme to accommodate rising demand for school places across the borough and to maintain educational provision throughout construction.

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The new building includes a sports hall, 15 teaching spaces and a central three-storey atrium featuring an open staircase with integrated bleacher seating. A first-floor external terrace forms a distinctive element of the design.

Constructed with a steel and concrete frame, the building features a brickwork façade at lower levels, transitioning to rendered insulated finishes with mesh screening above. The roof is finished in Pigmento Red standing seam zinc, creating a contemporary architectural addition to the school.

External works included the creation of two multi-use games areas, extensive landscaping and the demolition of a redundant 1970s CLASP building. This enabled the delivery of a new 60-space car park serving the Junior School as well as the Infant and Nursery Schools. Toilet facilities within the neighbouring Burlington Infant School were also refurbished.

Construction took place within a live school environment, with Morgan Sindall working closely with school staff to carefully manage works and minimise disruption to teaching and daily operations.

Sustainability formed a key part of the project, with 72 photovoltaic panels installed to support the ambition of achieving an Excellent BREEAM rating. A total of 98 per cent of construction waste was recycled, with no waste sent to landfill, supported in part through collaboration with supply chain partner Pallet Loop.

Social value was also a major focus, with the contractor engaging with the local New Malden community, hosting workshops and supporting career initiatives in partnership with Women into Construction. The project also provided on-site experience for 11 apprentices, accounting for 415 weeks of training across the scheme.

In addition, the site hosted visits from Kingston College students, pupils, school staff and governors, offering insight into live construction activity and potential career pathways within the industry.

The project was delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction in collaboration with TPM Studio architects, Shockledge structural and civil engineers, and Boon Brown landscape architects.