Construction of new teaching blocks underway at Sybil Andrews Academy

The same construction team that built Sybil Andrews Academy in 2016 has returned to build new phases of the high school based on Bury St Edmunds’ Moreton Hall estate.

Over recent months Barnes Construction have been carrying out a programme of enabling works in preparation for the main work to start. This has included creating new hard play areas, along with alterations to paths and paving. They have now moved on to start construction of the first of two new teaching blocks which will provide additional classrooms, staff rooms and break-out areas. The scheme also incorporates an expansion to the previously completed external sports facilities to include an additional MUGA area.

Concertus Design & Property Consultants is again project managing the build on behalf of the client, Suffolk County Council, as well as providing a multi-disciplinary design service which includes architecture, interior and landscape, structural engineering and building services.

Pictured are members of the construction team, Head Teacher, Trenica King and students from Sybil Andrews Academy. They were joined by Cllr. Karen Soons and Cllr. Gordon Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills on-site before Christmas to mark construction starting in earnest with the excavation of the foundations.

Cllr Jones commented: “The new development will support the continued development of Sybil Andrews by providing a range of additional accommodation. This includes specialist teaching spaces, classrooms, larger staff room, an additional food service facility plus external areas. Another smaller teaching block will be completed in 2020, enabling the school to expand by 600 places to a capacity of 1200 students.”

Trenica King added: “This is another exciting milestone for our school. The new education block will further develop our specialist teaching rooms and provide more space for our new Year 7 students arriving in this September. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project for their hard work and commitment.”

Work is now underway to erect the steel frame on the first block which will be complete for September 2019.