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Tier one firm Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £20.7m job to build the new Durham Academy in County Durham.
The Department for Education appointed the contractor via a direct award under its construction framework, with works beginning on 30 July 2025 and scheduled to complete by 23 August 2027.
The 8,610 square metre secondary school will replace the current Durham Community Business College. It is being developed on a brownfield site at the southern end of the existing school campus in Ushaw Moor.
The project has been designed by Ryder Architecture and Willmott Dixon will use modern methods of construction, according to the contract notice.
The school is targeting net-zero carbon in operation, with air source heat pumps, natural ventilation, and photovoltaic panels all included in the design.
The three-storey building will accommodate up to 900 pupils and feature general and specialist teaching spaces, a main hall, drama studio, sports hall, kitchen and dining space, and special educational neeeds provision.
External works include new sports pitches, landscaping and footpaths. The existing school will remain operational throughout the build and be demolished once the new building opens.
The current business college buildings have been deemed in poor condition, with a statement attached to the planning application to Durham County Council saying the buildings are ‘no longer fit for purpose’.