Construction of a major new extension at Bluecoat Wollaton Academy in Nottingham is now underway.

The project will see the creation of a state-of-the-art three-court sports hall, complete with changing facilities and PE storage, alongside 12 new classrooms designed to provide spaces for up to 300 additional pupils.

The development is being carried out by Lindum Group on the academy’s existing site on Sutton Passeys Crescent. It forms part of a long-term plan to enhance facilities and expand opportunities for both students and the wider community.

In addition to the new teaching and sports provision, Lindum is also delivering improvements to the school’s parking and infrastructure, including a total of 55 new car parking spaces, with electric vehicle charging points, to ensure the expansion is supported sustainably.

The works will be complemented by new landscaping, biodiversity enhancements, and energy-efficient building systems, with the new facilities targeting an EPC rating of A.

Lindum Group Construction Manager Mark Robertson said the works should be finished in September 2026.

“Over the summer holidays we created a temporary car park for staff to use as we’re building the new facilities on the existing car park,” he said. “We then set about stripping the site before installing the new drainage.

“The steel frame of the new building is expected to be in place in November and once construction is finished, we can remove our site compound and install the new car parking spaces.

“We’re delighted to be working with Bluecoat Wollaton Academy to bring this exciting project to life. The new classrooms and sports hall will make a huge difference to students’ learning and recreational opportunities.”

The academy, part of the Archway Learning Trust, has been working closely with Nottingham City Council and the local community throughout the planning and design process to ensure the development meets both educational needs and neighbourhood considerations.

A spokesman for the academy said: “This extension represents a significant investment in our school and our students. We are committed to providing the very best facilities, and it is fantastic to see construction now underway. We look forward to welcoming pupils into the new spaces once complete.”

The project was procured through the SCAPE Regional Construction Framework.

Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said “This is a significant project that is helping to address the growing demand for school places across Nottingham.

“Delivered through the SCAPE Regional Construction framework, we are proud to be working in close collaboration with our partner, Lindum Group, to ensure the project delivers both efficiency and value for money.

“Crucially, the project also places sustainability and social value at its heart, reinforcing our environmental goals and our commitment to leaving a lasting positive legacy for the local community.”