A Worcestershire manufacturer of education products is helping fit out a new school which aims to be one of the most sustainable in the country.
HME Technology, based at Saxon Park in Bromsgrove, is working with Sangwin Educational Furniture and construction group Willmott Dixon on the Hope Academy project in Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire.
Having gone through a competitive tender and rigorous selection process, HME Technology was awarded the £94,000 contract to supply and install the design and technology equipment for the new complex which will open in time for the new academic year in September.
HME Technology, founded in 1984, is the leading supplier and installer of design and technology and science equipment for schools.
Its range of products include forges, brazing hearths, furnaces, welding tables, fume extraction systems, kilns, woodworking equipment, wood dust extraction systems, metal finishing and CNC machines. It also supplies fume cupboards and ventilation systems for science departments.
HME Technology managing director Julian Davis said: “At a build cost of £33 million, Hope Academy, which will replace both Newton Community High School and St Aelred’s Catholic Technology College, will provide one of the most innovative, high quality and well equipped learning environments in the country.
“It is a showpiece order for us – our flexibility and ability to provide a practical and fit-for-purpose solution were key elements in our selection for this project.”
The joint Catholic and Church of England academy features state of the art technology and design that makes it one of the most sustainable schools in the country.
Indeed it has chosen sustainability as its specialism.
Wind turbines provide off-peak electricity, photovoltaic panels generate energy, and heating and hot water is supplied by renewable biomass sources on site.
Facilities include 12 outdoor interactive learning spaces, a kitchen garden, science garden, sustainability garden and attenuation pond, with a wireless internet system covering the whole 20 acre site enabling fully accessible outdoor working.
