New Pudsey 6th Form College
GenNorth were seconded into Luminate Education Group’s (LEG) Capital projects team to deliver a new 6th form college for West Leeds.
The investment enabled a new 6th Form provision at the Crawshaw Academy site in Pudsey. Currently on-site the project is being delivered and operated in partnership between Luminate Education Group (LEG) and Education Partners, aiming to increase post-16 education capacity in West Leeds. This new provision is scheduled to be available from September 2025 and it is envisioned will provide Leeds with a centre of academic excellence, offering students high-quality learning spaces and a broad range of choices.
The primary design objective was to create an inspirational building centred around a central atrium and external green spaces. These spaces were intended to enhance users' well-being, ensure inclusivity, and adhere to green building principles.
The project entails constructing a purpose-built, approximately 3,000m² (GIA) teaching block within a new and separate development on the perimeter of the Crawshaw Academy site. The scope also includes new supporting infrastructure and external amenities.
The new building has been designed to meet BREEAM Excellent standards, focusing on efficient energy demand, generating onsite renewable energy, and delivering fossil fuel-free heat. The project aims to minimise both the operational energy and carbon emissions associated with its usage while reducing emissions during building works and lifecycle. Air source heat pumps were chosen for heating, along with a combination of natural and heat recovery ventilation. Photovoltaic systems were incorporated where the ‘Whole Life Carbon’ assessment was favourable.
The project was paused in mid-2023 and reinvigorated in January 2024 following a Board decision. Procurement and pre-construction activities were expedited to meet programme objectives. In April 2024, Caddick Construction were awarded the construction contract, with site works commencing in June 2024 and is on track for completion in July 2025, ensuring readiness for September 2025.
The NEC 4 ECC Option A Fixed Priced with Activity Schedule was adopted for the project. LEG are committed to creating employment and training opportunities in the construction sector, particularly for individuals facing employment barriers or residing in deprived areas. GenNorth supported LEG in ensuring that procurement contributed to these goals.
GenNorth have led the project, driving delivery at pace. A negotiated and collaborative procurement route, coupled with strong stakeholder support, enabled the programme's success. Challenges, such as balancing programme acceleration with cost savings, were addressed through a negotiated procurement strategy, benchmarking data, and focused value engineering, achieving a 12% reduction in capital costs.
Key Achievements:
Bought a paused project without a contractor back to deliverable and onsite in 6 months
Negotiated procurement for speed to ensure value for money demonstrated
Achieved all required funding deadlines
Challenges & Solutions:
Restarting a paused project and bringing onboard a new contractor and the curriculum team within tight deadlines
Key Information
Location: Yorkshire
Date Started: July 2023
Sector: Education
Services: Project Management
