Willmott Dixon has been appointed as the main contractor by the Department of Education for the transformative redevelopment of the Wigan and Leigh College in Manchester. This significant £49 million project aims to achieve net carbon zero in operation, and it will create a modern, 116,000 square foot three-storey educational facility designed for over 3,400 students.
The project is aiming to achieve a 40% biodiversity net gain with extensive landscaping and sustainability features include photovoltaic solar panels to harness renewable energy and offset all energy used on site. The redevelopment of Wigan and Leigh College not only represents a commitment to sustainability, but it also focuses on creating a vibrant learning environment, equipped with modern facilities such as seminar rooms, IT suites, and laboratories.
During the construction phase, Hoard-it provided a comprehensive hoarding solution that support the college’s goal of a seamless and efficient redevelopment process. These include approximately 120 LM of 3m solid timber hoarding panels and 200 LM of 2.4m hoarding panels, ensuring a secure and safe construction environment. Additionally, we installed various gates, including an 8m vehicle gate, a 4m vehicle gate, and a pedestrian gate, tailored to facilitate site access while maintaining security.
In line with Willmott Dixon‘s branding, our team ensured that all hoarding panels were painted in their signature yellow, enhancing site visibility and cohesion with the college’s branding. We also collaborated with our Brand-it division to supply and print Willmott Dixon banners, further promoting the project’s identity.
The existing college will remain fully open while phased demolition, relocation and construction of new buildings take place. All staff and students will remain on campus throughout the process as Willmott Dixon have extensive experience of working in similar busy education environments. The company recently completed construction of a similar net zero academy in Preston.
