Lisburn-based offsite manufacturer McAvoy has completed the construction of the new Orsett Heath Academy in Essex.

The new secondary school, which is McAvoy's largest design and build project to date at 8,610m2 and three-storeys, was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Education.

The building comprises 209 modules encompassing collaborative breakout areas, a double-height dining area and a performing arts hub.

McAvoy was also responsible for the extensive hard and soft landscaping, including car and bicycle parking provision, the creation of a new cycle path, new sports playing fields and the installation of a multi-use games area.

"The new Orsett Heath Academy is an exemplary educational institution, demonstrating the strong capabilities and benefits that offsite manufacturing can provide, at the scale required to help the education sector quickly meet growing demand for fit-for-purpose education facilities," said Gavin Ward, Contracts Manager at McAvoy.

"As our biggest project to date, this scheme also represents the growth and skill of our experienced team to deliver excellent education facilities on complex brownfield sites.

"Throughout the process, McAvoy has managed and delivered solutions to enable the quick and efficient turnaround of the school, to all necessary standards and building regulation requirements.

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"We are thrilled with the final result and positive feedback received from teachers, students and the local community, who are all now benefitting from the great internal facilities and carefully considered external landscaping."

The school was procured through the Department for Education's Mod C framework and completed over the course of 15 months, one week ahead of schedule.

McAvoy was instrumental in the swift delivery of the new 1,200 pupil capacity school, for ages 11-16, through close stakeholder collaboration at every stage. First working with the school and local planning authority, McAvoy then engaged with archaeological specialists to provide advice and excavation of the brownfield site.

Amy Tait, Project Director at the Department for Education, said: "McAvoy have worked closely with the Trust and the Local Authority to deliver this impressive educational facility which includes high quality outdoor sports pitches to support the school in providing excellent education and opportunities to students."

Manufacturing and ground works took place concurrently, and installation of the modules was completed during winter 2023.

The offsite manufacturing process was not only efficient but served to avoid delays from weather disruption by having 70 percent of works, including screed floors, completed at McAvoy's manufacturing facility.

McAvoy also procured and liaised with utilities providers to manage the installation of the new power substation and water infrastructure for the school.

To provide flexible delivery, McAvoy hired a local airfield close to the site, which alleviated road delivery restrictions and limited disruption.

Undertaking Considerate Constructors Scheme practices throughout, McAvoy engaged with the local community through regular updates, foodbank donations, local employment, as well as student site visits. McAvoy also installed a four-phase clock on a new plinth, to commemorate the school opening.

Steve Munday, Chief Executive Officer at South West Essex Community Education Trust, said: "We are thrilled to see the completion of this exciting new facility for Orsett Heath Academy, made possible by McAvoy's unique approach.

"The attention to detail, from state-of-the-art learning spaces to the expansive sports facilities, reflects our vision to create a nurturing and dynamic environment for our students."