Contractor named for Milton Keynes school

Willmott Dixon has been chosen by Milton Keynes Council to construct a £8.8M new primary school and nursery that will accommodate pupils as part of a wider plan for the Western Expansion Area.

Located on Calverton Lane, Watling Primary School and Nursery will support local education provision for the housing developments of Fairfields and Whitehouse. Procured through Pagabo’s Major Works Framework, Willmott Dixon is working with Synergy Architects to create the 630-place primary school and 39-place nursery with a multi-purpose hall that can divide into two separate spaces, as well as outdoor sporting grounds.

The Western Expansion Area is the largest expansion area in Milton Keynes and is comprised of two developments to create 6,550 dwellings. The area will have an estimated population of 15,000 when completed in early 2030 and the new school and nursery will play a key role in ensuring local amenities are available for the growing population while alleviating subscription levels at nearby schools.

With sustainability a focus, Watling Primary School and Nursery will have three electric vehicle charging points, with infrastructure to serve a further 20, as well as featuring roof mounted PVs to facilitate solar power along with ground source heat pumps.

Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Milton Keynes Council, said: “It’s incredible to see how quickly the teams are working onsite to create the foundations for this wonderful new school. Watling Primary will be essential for families moving to the area who want local, quality schools.

“We know that proper planning, and reducing the environmental impact, will enable these schools to be here for many years to come.”

The facility is expected to open to pupils in September 2023.