Willmott Dixon to build Leicestershire’s second net zero school

Willmott Dixon has been appointeed to build a second net zero in operation primary school for Leicestershire County Council.

The construction and property services company will build the £9.3m school, which is set to provide 210 places for children living in the new 924-home Airfield Farm development at the northern edge of Market Harborough.

It follows the company’s completion in August of the 210-place net-zero in operation Hollycroft Primary School, on the outskirts of Hinckley. 

Procured via the Procurement Hub, the Airfield Farm Primary School will include teaching spaces for pupils with special educational needs, a multi-use play area, nature areas and parking and drop-off spaces. 

Technology such as air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels to provide power, as well as careful consideration of building materials, will help the school be net zero carbon when operational.  

The school is being built using section 106 funding from developers William Davis and Taylor Wimpey and money from the government’s Basic Need Funding for schools.   

Councillor Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “This school will be a welcome addition to this new community, providing much-needed school places and a lovely setting for learning. 

“We are committed to addressing climate change and it’s schemes like these that will support Leicestershire becoming a net zero county by 2045. We look forward to seeing this new school taking shape.”   

The school has been built in such a way that it could be extended to take up to 420 pupils in the future if needed.  

The successful academy trust appointed to run the new primary school is to be announced this autumn and a phased opening is planned from 2024 starting with reception children, with the school reaching capacity by 2030.