PROJECT
STRABANEACADEMY, CO. TYRONE
DELIVERY OF THE NEW-BUILD STRABANE ACADEMY BY WOODVALE CONSTRUCTION BRINGS A PREVIOUSLY DIVIDED SCHOOL CAMPUS UNDER ONE ROOF – AND EARNS THEM A COVETED RICS AWARD ALONG THE WAY... BEST IN CLASS
S trabane Academy was founded in 2011, following the merger of Strabane Grammar and High Schools and for many years, it faced the logistical headache of operating from two separate sites. Woodvale Construction provided the solution with a purpose-built, 10,000 sqm, state-of- the-art education facility constructed to BREEAM Excellent accreditation. Currently accommodating 516 pupils, the school includes a learning resource centre, information technology suite, school library, canteen and a sixth form centre. The seven-hectare site has two rugby pitches, a hockey pitch and five tennis courts. There is also a fully equipped gym within the school.
SOCIAL IMPACT The Strabane Academy construction has provided both short- and long-term employment opportunities for the local community. The excellent education facilities enable teaching in a broader range of subjects while the first-class sports facilities encourage community involvement and outreach to other schools and clubs. Commenting on the project, Emmett Teggart MCIOB, Contracts Manager for Woodvale Construction said, “It was important to us that the project provided measurable community benefits and we were extremely proud that the social value we delivered was recognised by the RICS, which awarded the project the
2020 Social Impact Award. “As a local contractor, we were aware that Strabane has one of the highest unemployment rates in Northern Ireland. We appointed a dedicated Social Impact Manager, Yvonne Conway MCIOB to liaise with Education Authority, Derry & Strabane District Council, SIB’s Buy Social Team, regional colleges and schools and local training providers to ensure that the project delivered real and meaningful social value by providing employment work placements and apprenticeships for local youths.” The RICS judges praised the project, describing it as “a huge achievement by anybody’s standards.” The project began in January 2018 and was delivered in two phases. Phase one
“Weknowwemadeapositive impactwithin the local communitybyour success at theRICSawards.”
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