Kier appointed to build £50 million school

A Northumberland education development has taken a step forward with the appointment of a contractor to deliver a “flagship” state-of-the-art secondary school.

Kier Construction has been named preferred bidder to build the £50 million Berwick Academy, marking a key milestone in plans to replace the town’s ageing school buildings.

The project follows approval of the outline business case last year, with the council progressing a full funding package. 

Detailed designs are expected to be completed by May, ahead of a planning application.

Steve Lynn, operations director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “We are proud to be appointed as preferred bidder to deliver the new Berwick Academy and to be working in partnership with Northumberland County Council on such an important investment in the region’s young people.  

“This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting journey to create a modern, inspiring learning environment that will support students, staff and the wider community for generations.  

“With projects such as Belmont School in Durham and James Calvert Spence in Amble, Kier has a strong track record of delivering high‑quality education facilities across the North East, and we look forward to bringing our expertise to this flagship project as it progresses through the next stages of design and into construction.” 

Subject to approval, construction is due to begin towards the end of 2026, with the new academy scheduled to open two years later.

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member for inspiring young people at Northumberland County Council, added: “This is another significant milestone for this ambitious project – and one that should give great confidence to families living in the north of the county.  

“We’re delighted to have Kier on board who have a well-established track record of school build projects in our county. 

“It’s another milestone we couldn’t have hit without the ongoing hard work and support of officers, fellow councillors, parents, staff and pupils – who have helped drive this project forward from day one.”  

Ben Ryder, headteacher at Berwick Academy, added: “This is great news for the school and everyone associated with it.  

“At Berwick Academy, we remain committed to raising outcomes for all students, and this new school is set to provide an outstanding learning environment for generations to come.” 

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.