Wellfield Academy’s rebuild is underway, with most of the old buildings of the school set to be demolished.
The Leyland high school is part of the Endeavour Learning Trust, with the new buildings set to be open in Autumn next year.
Construction of the new school is taking place on the current school’s grounds, with most of the original buildings set to be torn down once the first phase is completed.
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Features of the new build will include an expansion and redesign of the car park and cycling shelter and electric vehicle charging points installed.
The buildings themselves will be built with the environment in mind as they include timber frames, and enhanced thermal performance to minimise carbon and energy demand.
Other parts of the build to reduce carbon and energy consumption will include ground source heat pumps and solar panels on roofs.
The headteacher of Wellfield, Jamie Lewis, said: “This is yet another exciting milestone and it was great to see the first spade in the ground as construction begins.
“When completed, our school will be the most modern, best equipped school in the area and we’re excited about what this will mean for your young people and generations to come.
“We look forward to welcoming pupils and families to our new school next year.”
Wellfield will carry the same capacity after the redevelopment.
The Department for Education is delivering this project with Kier Construction being the choice for the design and build of the new school.
Sarah Morton, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “We are proud to be delivering Wellfield Academy, a landmark GenZero project that will help define the future of sustainable school design.
“GenZero is about more than reducing carbon – it is about rethinking how schools are designed, built and operated to create highly efficient, future-ready environments.
“By combining low carbon materials such as mass timber with advanced energy systems and modern methods of construction, this project will set a new benchmark for education buildings.
“Drawing on our experience delivering high-quality schools, we look forward to creating an inspiring learning environment for students and staff, while leaving a lasting positive impact on the local community.”
