Work by Kier Construction on the Richard Rose Central Academy, Lismore Place, Carlisle is getting under way with the construction team now starting on site in order to meet the completion deadline of January 2011. The Academy will be an impressive building, constructed using a blend of quality materials, such as sandstone and brick which will form an important landmark in Carlisle and will eventually accommodate 1,500 students.

At the height of the major construction activities it is likely that 150 personnel will be on site at any one time and off road car parking, welfare, IT with a good working environment have all been established in order to ensure the work will progress without a hitch.

Various teams are now being drawn together from across the Kier network to make sure that the right team is in place to undertake a project of this size and importance. As well as construction staff, administration teams, cost clerks, quantity surveyors, engineers and cleaners are all essential to delivering a Successful project. Kier will also be recruiting locally and is currently looking at developing local suppliers as well as using the company’s existing national network.

Throughout the duration of the construction activities it will be business as usual for the leisure facilities and sixth form college. Accesses may change at times but these changes will be notified in advance and the appropriate signage put in place.

Demolition of the old school will start in May and will be completed using an excavator fitted with shears to snip small chunks at a time, not using a demolition ball as most people visualise. A vast amount of research has been undertaken to ensure the design of the building fulfils any number of criteria including its status in the local community, the landscaping, security, accessibility to name only a few. However, the building itself is a vital ingredient and key to the success of the project. The main entrance to the Academy will be obvious and welcoming, providing immediate access to the heart of the Academy. The use of materials throughout the building will further enhance the teaching, ethos and standards set for the new Academy. The building is all about teaching for both children and adults alike, the use of space should have the ability to help, contribute and aid the teaching and learning experience, for this generation and future generations of learners.

Watch this space for details on specific areas of interest, such as the materials being used, acoustic considerations, lighting, even the furniture and for news on the progress of the construction!

Kier Construction project manager, Chris Ryder, has already been appointed given his extensive knowledge of construction in the education sector. Chris comments: “While some of the issues we faced at the start of this contract can be seen as problematic, we come across them all the time and are well versed in the necessary requirements. There is a huge amount of preparation being done to ensure we establish a safe and environmentally sound construction site and that we do all that we can to be a good neighbour. We will be registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and will be aiming to not only comply with its eight point Code of Practice but to exceed this and be in the running for a Considerate Constructor Award.

We aim to keep the students, local residents and people of Carlisle up- todate with the construction progress and will be doing so via the newspapers, letters, meetings, newsletters and the website at www.richardroseacademies.org/central/. The local community will be invited to an exhibition to talk to the construction team in the very near future.

This is going to be a fantastic learning environment and we look forward to completing a safe and successful project and to seeing the fruits of our construction activity in service to the young people of Carlisle.”