Planning permission has been granted for the new Outwood Academy Kirkby in Nottinghamshire.
Willmott Dixon has secured planning consent from Ashfield District Council for the scheme which will replace the school’s existing 1970s buildings with a state-of-the-art educational facility.
Funded by the Department for Education (DfE) through its School Rebuilding Programme (SRP), Outwood Academy Kirkby has a completion targeted for the 2028/29 academic year.
BSP Consulting is the civil and structural engineer on the scheme, which is a DfE project with a BS EN ISO 19650 mandate.
The company has undertaken civil engineering services for the design, drainage, levels, cut and fill, along with structural engineering services for the design, foundations, steel frame, floors and roof.
BSP Consulting MD Carl Hilton said: “It’s great that the new Outwood Academy Kirkby has now received planning permission, paving the way for the next stage of development.
“BSP Consulting has provided civil and structural engineering services for a wide range of new build schools and educational institutions, along with extensions and additions to facilities.
“We are very pleased to be offering our expertise on this scheme.”
Details
The project will create a modern, energy-efficient learning environment providing significant enhancements to the learning experience. New facilities will include:
- Modern, purpose-built classrooms for specialist subjects such as science, drama, and technology
- Enhanced external sports provision, including a new all-weather pitch and multi-use games courts
- Expansive social space for student recreation
To maintain continuity of education, the work will be delivered in phases. A temporary teaching block will be installed and operated alongside the retained lower school and existing sports facilities, ensuring classes can continue with minimal disruption while construction progresses. Once the new school is ready for occupation, the current buildings will be safely demolished and the external sports areas completed, providing the final piece of the campus upgrade.
Nick Heath, director of delivery at Willmott Dixon, said: “With strong roots in Nottinghamshire, we’re delighted to be the selected partner for Outwood Academy Kirkby. The new facility will provide an enhanced offering to the local community, including dedicated sixth-form spaces and the transformation of the current on-site sporting facilities.
“As part of the project, we will also be engaging with local schools and colleges to provide careers advice and work experience opportunities. Social value is at the heart of what Willmott Dixon does, and we hope to leave a positive legacy by helping pupils prepare for their future. We have already started working with Outwood Academy Kirkby pupils, delivering mock interviews to help hone their skills for future opportunities.”
With planning now in place, enabling works and detailed sequencing can begin ahead of the main build.
Outwood Academy Kirkby joined the Outwood Family of Schools in September 2022, and serves students in Kirkby-in-Ashfield and the surrounding areas.
