The contractor has been appointed to demolish and replace Mercia Academy and Newhall Junior School in Swadlincote for operator Lionheart Educational Trust.

Work is already under way with Mercia Academy demolished and clearance progressing on the adjacent site at Newhall Junior School ahead of demolition.

Mercia Academy had to be evacuated in November 2023 when structural issues were identified, with its 588 pupils taught at other locations for months.
Temporary accommodation has been put in place to keep pupils on site while construction progresses.

Once sites are cleared, Kier will start construction of the new campus, which will include specialist teaching spaces, a sports hall and drama studio, Sport England-compliant playing fields and a dedicated bus drop-off and collection area.

The buildings will be constructed on piled foundations with a steel frame, precast composite floor slabs and a mix of brickwork and cladding. Sustainability measures include green roofs, solar panels, natural ventilation and biodiversity-led landscaping.

Newhall Junior School plan

Cheryl Ward, managing director of Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said the campus has also been designed for wider community use, with zoned layouts allowing access to sports, performance and vocational spaces outside school hours while maintaining safeguarding controls.