Avant Homes (England) are the purchaser of the fields, and at the end of August 2024 all parties signed the Section 106 agreement, which is the agreement that grants Avant planning permission for the new homes that will fund the rebuild of the College. Prior to completion, Avant have to satisfy a number of pre-commencement conditions, ranging from badger surveys, highways, and infrastructure. Of these, most have been satisfied and we are only waiting for a few conditions to be validated by Broxtowe Borough Council. The most important of these are around drainage, where they need Severn Trent Water to agree how the water will outflow from the site. We expect resolution on this shortly, which means that the Trust will be able to complete with Avant and receive the funding to commence the new build.

From the date that funding is received, we are working on a timeline of:

• Early Spring 2025 Design team complete the final stages of the work needed. The new College already has planning permission granted.
• Late Spring 2025 Morgan Sindall, as principle contractor, take the sub-packages to tender under the terms of the SCAPE Framework we are using.
• Late June 2025 Project build starts, the first phase sees the demolition of the existing PE block so major works will not commence until after the external exams have finished.
• Early 2027 Phase One of the new build handed over: this will be the main teaching block and the new gym.
• Spring 2027 Demolition of existing buildings.
• Summer 2027 New 3G pitch laid partly on area occupied by existing buildings.
• September 2027 Completion of the new build, contractor leaves site.

Once complete, the new school will be fully equipped for a 21st-Century school curriculum, will sit at the centre of its community, and will be built to the highest standards with sustainability and efficiency in mind. It will include purpose built and modern facilities for all subject areas, including science labs, technology rooms, theatre and drama space and sports facilities, and will provide access to the wider community outside school hours. It will also have a dedicated 6th Form area and up to date IT infrastructure. 
Although it has taken some time, with many hurdles and setbacks to overcome, the Trust has always believed that the end outcome was worth the time and investment. I will be equally thrilled and relieved when we can confirm completion so guaranteeing the funds for what will be one of the most modern, sustainable and community focussed schools in the UK. Should you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pulblished on Friday 6th December 2024 in issue 399 of the trust Newsletter, also emailed directly to parents with children at Bracmote College.