Clegg Construction has begun work on the development of the new Drakelow Primary School, which is a centrepiece of a 2,200-home residential estate currently under construction by Countryside Partnerships on the former Drakelow power station site.
The 420-pupil primary school, being built in Marley Way, has been designed to be flexible in use and meet a range of requirements.

Both the indoor and outdoor areas will maximise the learning experience, with classrooms flowing into outdoor teaching spaces to allow for integration of inside and outside teaching, linking to the main play area.

New sports facilities, including a 3G pitch, will also be included, as well as a habitat area to provide forest school experiences.

In addition, the scheme, which is due for completion by the end of the year, will feature a 26-place nursery and a 45-space staff car park.

Designed by ONE Creative environments, working closely with Clegg Construction, the school is sustainably located at the heart of the housing development and adjacent to the forthcoming local centre, where parking will be provided in the future.

The building’s heating capacity will be met by externally-mounted air source heat pumps and the school will benefit from underfloor heating fed from a low-temperature hot water system from the central heat pump plant.

Michael Sims: managing director of Clegg Construction, said: “We are very pleased to have started on site to deliver this new primary school in South Derbyshire which will serve the community currently being developed on the site of the former Drakelow Power Station.

“Drakelow Primary School is a welcome addition to our strong portfolio of design and build schemes delivered across the education sector, and we are delighted to be part of the team appointed to create this important addition to the local community.”

Michael Moore, operations director at Countryside Partnerships, adds: “Having worked together to develop the reserved matters application for Drakelow Primary School, we are pleased to now appoint Clegg Construction for the delivery phase of this exciting project.

“The new building will be a valuable addition to the Drakelow development, providing a modern, sustainable, and attractive environment in which students can learn and thrive.”

Commenting on the design, Becki Smith, associate director and education lead at ONE Creative environments (ONE), said: “Working closely with the Academy Trust, South Derbyshire District Council, Clegg Construction, and Countryside Partnerships, we have designed the school to maximise the potential of the indoor and outdoor spaces to support a range of teaching opportunities, as well as support the community.

“Flexibility has been built into the design to meet the school’s requirements now and in the future to provide the best-possible learning experiences.”

During the development of the school, the project will be registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and will follow the CCS Code of Practice (Care for the Environment, Protect the Workforce, Respect the Community).

Clegg Construction will also identify opportunities to engage with and enhance the local community and environment throughout its time on site.