Building underway on state-of-the-art forest school

Building on a new state-of-the-art forest school, that is set to change the way children in the area will learn, has begun in Coalville, Leicestershire.

Construction consultancy Bentley is helping to deliver the project, as employer’s agent and quantity surveyors. 

Complete construction partner Stepnell is leading the build of the two-form entry school which was designed by Lungfish Architects and led by land regeneration company, Harworth Group. 

The primary school in Swinfen Vale is due to open in September 2024 for the new school year and is the county’s first forest school, a model which endeavors to nurture creativity in line with play and activity to promote education.

Lauren Allsop, senior project manager at Bentley said:“The groundbreaking ceremony that recently took place was a significant step forward in what is an incredibly exciting project for us at Bentley. 

"This project acts as a change of trajectory for education in the region and we’re proud to be able to use our expertise to see it come to life.”

The construction of the school will consist of a series of pavilions, designed to offer a range of flexible teaching spaces including shared and outside areas. 

These classroom spaces have been designed to ensure optimal lighting and ventilation throughout. 

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “The creative and sustainable design of the project aligns well with our complete construction offering at Stepnell. 

"We’re proud of our ability to continuously create quality developments in the education sector and this project will be no exception.

“As we continue to grow our strong regional reputation in the East Midlands, we’re excited to be working with Bentley Project Management and partners on what is an incredible project to expand the school offerings for the people of Coalville and the surrounding region.” 

In support of local sustainability in the area, the school will use mounted solar PV panels to generate an approximate 10% of its own electrical requirements and will meet its heating requirements through a system of air-source heat pumps.