Transformation of Smestow Academy completes

The transformation of a Wolverhampton school is complete following an almost half-a-million-pound investment.

Smestow Academy – part of the University of Wolverhampton Multi Academy Trust – recently underwent a programme of refurbishment works to improve facilities for staff and students.

The £496,000 renovation saw the creation of a new library, upgrades to existing toilet blocks and improvements to the school reception area.

Local contractor, Seddon, which has regional offices in Birmingham, began the project during the 2021 summer holidays, concluding in October half-term.

The scheme was the first that Seddon were awarded to following procurement through Pagabo’s Refit & Refurbishment Framework, which the company was appointed to in 2019.

John Shannon, divisional director at Seddon, said: “It’s great to be able to access projects that breathe new life into educational environments via Pagabo’s framework. We’re confident the refurbishment of Smestow Academy will improve the school experience for staff and students for many years to come. It’s a space for everyone that should make the local community proud.”

Emma Hesbrook, regional manager at Pagabo, added: “I’m really pleased to see this project reach completion, providing significant improvements to the existing facilities at Smestow Academy. Our Refit & Refurbishment Framework continues to provide a quick and compliant procurement route for education bodies and the wider public sector, enabling them to revitalise and repurpose their existing estates. Not only does this allow for significant savings on construction cost, but it also improves the overall efficiency of the buildings, ultimately helping the client to achieve their net zero targets which is something we as a framework provider place great importance on.”

Seddon worked with subcontractors throughout, including East Midlands Demolition; Gilks for mechanical and electrical; P&R on carpentry; Multi-Floor; and ATC Interiors, which consulted on the toilet blocks.