Milton Keynes Council appoints Currie & Brown on Glebe Farm all-through school scheme

12 August 2020

As part of their existing framework agreement with Milton Keynes Council, Currie & Brown has secured project management, supervisor and quantity surveying services on the design and construction of the Glebe Farm all-through school scheme.

Currie & Brown will assist the council’s built assets team in the construction of the all-through school at Glebe Farm in the south-east of Milton Keynes. The 95,000m² site comprises a nursery, primary and secondary school on one site, with associated sports pitches and external landscaping.

Inspiring Futures Through Learning (IFtL) has been appointed as the education trust to run the school, and their early input on the project has offered considerable insight into the design process.

Currie & Brown’s sustainability team also provided consultancy services to the council, facilitating a workshop with the project team to identify opportunities to hit the client’s high sustainability aspirations, including helping define what zero-carbon would mean for the new schools. The team then prepared a broad plan for ensuring that all sustainability priorities are addressed during the design development process.

The scheme design for the £29 million development is due to be completed this year, with construction due to commence in early 2021. It will be funded from a combination of basic need government funding, Section 106 grant funding and MK Tariff borrowing. Morgan Sindall has been appointed as the main contractor, and design works are underway with Synergy Architects. Aecom will provide structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services on the project.

The school is expected to begin operational activities at the start of the September term in 2021.

Councillor Zoe Nolan, cabinet member for children and families, said: “We are delighted that the design process will be underway soon and look forward to sharing those plans. As Milton Keynes continues to grow, we will continue to invest in, and prioritise, our network of high-quality schools.”

Andrew Faraday, director in Currie & Brown’s Milton Keynes office, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing our work with Milton Keynes Council. The new all-through school at Glebe Farm is a fantastic project to be working on and we’re looking forward to seeing this project progress through the design stages to completion.

“Progress through the design stage is on programme, which is a great achievement for the team as the entire process to date has been carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic without face-to-face interaction.”

Maria Demmon, project leader for Milton Keynes Council added: “I am delighted with the service I have received from the Currie & Brown team over the last four months. We have worked together solidly at such a pace and on a virtual basis; it gives me great confidence to have such a strong team supporting the council in the delivery of this flagship scheme.”