Work complete on £12m extension at Wythenshawe academy

Work on a multi-million pound extension to Manchester Enterprise Academy in Wythenshawe is now complete.

The £12m Durie Building scheme comprises 41,300 sq ft of new teaching facilities to accommodate the academy’s growing pupil numbers.

Located next to the school’s existing building, the three-story extension was designed by Altrincham firm Pozzoni Architecture.

The Durie Building houses nine English classrooms, nine science department laboratories and a ground-floor auditorium with seating for 260 people.

Also in the extension are two large drama studios, an art and fashion department, a music room with practice space and staff areas.

Externally, a new playground for Year 7 students has been created along with landscaping.

Pozzoni director Catherine Mulley said: “12 months on from securing planning permission for this project, it’s fantastic to see students and staff now using and enjoying the facilities in Durie Building.

“The Scape Framework was the procurement route selected for the project and that’s why, along with working in close collaboration with the school and wider team, we were able to meet the tight deadline and ensure the new building was up and running, ready for the new academic year.”

She added: “The design is intended to maximise space and allow movement between the two buildings to be as seamless as possible. We’re really proud of the end result – a high-quality new building that will accommodate the school’s ambitious growth plans over the years to come.”

Manchester Enterprise Academy principal James Eldon commented: “We faced hugely pressing timelines to deliver the project but this pressure has not compromised on the quality of the design and build we have achieved.

“The new teaching block combines excellent teaching spaces and well-designed professional hubs for teachers to collaborate and thrive.”

The project was delivered by contractor Willmott Dixon.

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