£10.6 million net zero school reaches new heights in Basildon

The sustainable all-electric Chapel Hill primary school and nursery, located at George Street in Basildon, has completed its topping out ceremony, with 242 photovoltaic panels installed on its completed roof.

The two-storey school, which is set to accommodate 476 pupils when it opens in September, will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, main hall, SEN therapy room and nursery, as well as designated science and design technology rooms and a full production kitchen.

Pick Everard provided project management services, collaborating closely with Barnes Construction and Essex County Council to bring one of the six schools under the Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust to fruition.

"Delivering inspirational educational settings is a key part of our strategy. We not only consider the benefits of today but also the long-term impact on the community, and Chapel Hill is exemplary of the way in which it integrates two key learning stages within one multi-use environment, with added sustainability measures.

"By providing a facility where children can thrive and grow, we are also helping to address the future educational and social needs of the area. With the project now in the final stages of construction, we’re very much looking forward to its grand opening, as well as the facility being used for generations to come.”

- John Clarke director at Pick Everard

Alongside the PV panel and electric design, the new Chapel Hill primary school and nursery has incorporated several eco-friendly features, including air source heat pumps, variable temperature heating systems, energy efficient LED lighting and natural ventilation units with heat recovery.

The topping-out ceremony, which celebrated the facility’s sustainable features, was attended by Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability. He was joined by representatives from the Lee Chapel Multi Academy Trust, local county and district councillors and members of the project team.

Councillor Tony Ball said: “I have very much enjoyed seeing the significant progress made in the construction of this school thanks to the hard work of Barnes Construction, Concertus and Essex County Council

“Everything about this school is cutting edge, from the solar-panelled roof to the structural insulated panels in the fabric of the building. No stone is being left unturned in our pursuit of eco-friendliness.

“Through the capable hands of Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust, local families will get to see their children thrive in first-class educational facilities, with nearly 500 school places being made available.”

Sue Jackson, CEO of Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust, said: “The topping out ceremony marks the significant progress that has been made in building our new state-of-the-art school and means we remain on target to welcome the children to Chapel Hill Primary School & Nursery on Monday 2 September 2024.

“The school is being built as a ‘sister school’ to Lee Chapel, where demand significantly exceeds the number of places. Chapel Hill will, like its sister Lee Chapel, quickly become a centre of educational excellence that is the jewel in Basildon’s crown.”