Willmott Dixon has taken the amount of work secured under the Academies framework to £250 million after signing the £32 million contract for Ark Academy, just a stone's throw from Wembley National Stadium in Brent.

The company has teamed up with Studio E architects to carry out the ambitious project which involves constructing infant, junior and secondary schools as well as sports facilities for 1,600 pupils on a single site.

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Willmott Dixon has begun preparatory work to make way for the new academy, which is being built to meet the growing demand for school places in the London Borough of Brent.

Designed to have a small carbon footprint, the academy will make use of geothermal pumps for heating and will also have solar panels for hot water. Other sustainable features include rainwater harvesting and a sedum roof.

Ark Academy is screened by trees and woodland and has been designed to blend in with the local landscape, preserving the open views of local residential estates. The sports fields, which are currently private, will be retained and will be available for community use. The public will also be able to access other facilities outside school hours.

The academy will have a phased opening from September 2010 ready for the new academic year.

(CD/JM)