VINCI Construction UK Awarded £6.4 Million Contract at Harris Girls Academy, East Dulwich

The Building division of VINCI Construction UK Limited has been awarded a £6.4 million contract for the construction of a three-storey sixth form teaching block at Harris Girls Academy, East Dulwich. The Harris Federation of South London Schools is recognised by the Department of Children, Schools and Families as the most successful group sponsor of city academies, bringing a significant transformation in achievement for its students, many of which come from challenging inner city areas.

The construction of the L-shaped extension will take place within the existing complex and is the first phase in extending and refurbishing the buildings to give the staff and students modern facilities to match the high levels of learning being provided.

The new building will eventually house English, Mathematics, ICT, Business Studies, Design and Technology and will then allow space to be freed up elsewhere in the existing buildings to provide state of the art facilities for the expanding sixth form. At full capacity, the sixth form will provide accommodation for 250 girls, taking the total student enrolment to 1,060 and staff numbers to 164.

Environmental considerations on this project include a stream which bisects the site at mid point which is to be protected until construction is completed and the provision of bat boxes to encourage the protected species to roost. A BREEAM score of Very Good is to be achieved.

The 55 week project is due for completion in November 2010, allowing the refurbishment project, which will be separately tendered, to follow in Spring 2011.

Published: 06/11/2009