A Worcestershire manufacturer of education products is helping
fit out a new school which aims to be one of the most sustainable
in the country.
HME Technology, based at Saxon Park in Bromsgrove, is working
with Sangwin Educational Furniture and construction group Willmott
Dixon on the Hope Academy project in Newton-le-Willows,
Lancashire.
Having gone through a competitive tender and rigorous selection
process, HME Technology was awarded the £94,000 contract to
supply and install the design and technology equipment for the new
complex which will open in time for the new academic year in
September.
HME Technology, founded in 1984, is the leading supplier and
installer of design and technology and science equipment for
schools.
Its range of products include forges, brazing hearths, furnaces,
welding tables, fume extraction systems, kilns, woodworking
equipment, wood dust extraction systems, metal finishing and CNC
machines. It also supplies fume cupboards and ventilation systems
for science departments.
HME Technology managing director Julian Davis said: "At a build
cost of £33 million, Hope Academy, which will replace both
Newton Community High School and St Aelred's Catholic Technology
College, will provide one of the most innovative, high quality and
well equipped learning environments in the country.
"It is a showpiece order for us - our flexibility and ability to
provide a practical and fit-for-purpose solution were key elements
in our selection for this project."
The joint Catholic and Church of England academy features state
of the art technology and design that makes it one of the most
sustainable schools in the country.
Indeed it has chosen sustainability as its specialism.
Wind turbines provide off-peak electricity, photovoltaic panels
generate energy, and heating and hot water is supplied by renewable
biomass sources on site.
Facilities include 12 outdoor interactive learning spaces, a
kitchen garden, science garden, sustainability garden and
attenuation pond, with a wireless internet system covering the
whole 20 acre site enabling fully accessible outdoor working.