Equans has recently began work on a brand-new, modular construction primary school in Ribblesdale, Clitheroe, on behalf of Lancashire County Council. The work is being led by Equans’ Construction and Public Sector team in the North West, and is due to complete in August 2023. The school has been designed, and is being constructed, to achieve carbon net-zero status. Equans was delighted to recently welcome pupils and teachers from Ribblesdale High School, representatives from Lancashire County Council and Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Cllr Jayne Rear on-site to mark the beginning of work.
The benefits of modular construction are vast; mainly that it allows for a higher build quality, which is also more energy efficient. Modular construction also means a faster build time as opposed to traditional construction methods with less on-site trades.
Equans will install a ground source heat pump, supplying the school with a sustainable source of heat and hot water. Solar PV will also be installed on the roof, which will generate power for the school.
Equans is committed to provided adding Social Value to the area around the Ribblesdale Primary School scheme. To date, the team have provided ‘Industry Insights’ session to 145 students from Ribblesdale High School, with two apprenticeships also having been created for students at Preston College.
Alyson Seddon, Construction Director at Equans, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve started work on this exciting project. Equans is committed to helping our partners reach their carbon net-zero targets, and this sustainable modular school will be another important step in doing just that.”
Cllr Jayne Rear said: “This innovative new primary school will deliver much-needed places for children in the Ribble Valley. We are constantly working hard to identify where more school places are needed, as we want every child in Lancashire to have access to the best possible education. We aim to deliver these school places in the most efficient way.
“We want the very best for Lancashire’s children and young people as part of our pledge to make the county the best place to live. We must ensure that when construction is needed then it is done in an environmentally friendly way, contributing towards the goal of making the county net zero for future generations.”
