Galliford Try secures Net Zero Carbon school project in North Tyneside

Topic Schools and Colleges, Sustainability

Date 21 Aug 2025

Galliford Try has been awarded a contract by the Department for Education (DfE) to redevelop Benton Park Primary School in North Tyneside.

The project will see the construction of a brand new, Net Zero Carbon in Operation, two-storey building. The development features a biosolar green roof, rooftop photovoltaic panels, and energy-efficient systems, alongside low-carbon construction methods. Sustainable drainage measures (SuDS) and a site layout designed to encourage active travel and improve pupil safety are also integral to the scheme.

Work started in July 2025, with the new building scheduled for completion in August 2026, ready for the new academic year. Final demolition and landscaping will be completed by April 2027.

Benton Park Primary serves 420 pupils aged 3 –11, with 26 full-time nursery places and a specialist special educational needs and disabilities provision including 12 guaranteed places for deaf students. The redevelopment will provide high-quality new facilities that support inclusive learning, while also enhancing the existing forest school space for the benefit of both pupils and the wider community.

The development will deliver a 22.8% biodiversity net gain, more than twice the requirement. Measures taken include creating habitat piles, installing integrated bird and bat boxes, preserving existing trees, and introducing new woodland planting, all of which contribute to a more diverse and educational outdoor environment.

The works have been carefully phased to allow the school to remain operational throughout construction without the need for temporary accommodation. A dedicated new access route will also improve drop-off safety and reduce traffic on surrounding roads.

Claire Jackson, Education Director for Galliford Try, said: “This contract award demonstrates our continued commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable learning environments across the UK. We’re proud to be delivering a school that not only meets the Department for Education’s Net Zero ambitions but also prioritises inclusivity, biodiversity, and the wellbeing of the school community.”

Cliff Wheatley, Managing Director at Galliford Try Building North East and Yorkshire, said: “We’re pleased to continue our important work with the DfE and deliver another first-class school facility that will benefit its students for years to come."