Kier has won a £45m education project in Lancashire which is part of a government programme shaping the future of low-carbon school design.
The Wellfield Academy in Leyland is one of the Department for Education’s GenZero pathfinder projects, aiming to reduce carbon used during construction and in the building’s operation.
Under the scheme, the existing school in Leyland will be replaced on the same site. The new 5,540 sq m school will bring together a two-storey commons block and a three-storey teaching block linked by a first-floor bridge to create a flexible space.
Key features include: a cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure to act as a natural carbon store and reduce the building’s embodied carbon footprint compared with traditional construction methods; natural ventilation; ground source heat pumps; PV panels; and enhanced airtightness standards to improve energy performance.
Construction will begin with the demolition of one of the existing buildings to allow for the construction of the commons block, followed by the removal of existing teaching blocks once the new school is operational.
The final phase will create new external play, teaching and social spaces. Completion is expected at the end of 2028.
Planning approval for the scheme – designed by AHR – was granted in January 2026. Kier Design is providing in-house civil and structural consultancy to support the contractor on the project.
Sarah Morton, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “Drawing on our experience delivering high-quality schools, we look forward to creating an inspiring learning environment for students and staff, while leaving a lasting positive impact on the local community.”
