Delivering a landmark school ahead of schedule
Client: Fylde Coast Academy Trust
Conlon Construction delivered Armfield Academy in Blackpool, creating a purpose-built educational campus for 1,280 pupils aged two to sixteen and providing Fylde Coast Academy Trust with a modern learning environment designed to support generations of students.
Combining new-build construction with the refurbishment of existing facilities, the project was completed an impressive 12 weeks ahead of programme, allowing pupils and staff to benefit from the new facilities sooner than anticipated.
The Challenge
The new academy was being developed on the site of a former school, requiring careful planning to integrate retained facilities and playing fields while delivering a modern educational environment that met the trust’s long-term vision.
The project also demanded rigorous programme management to minimise disruption and ensure the new academy could be operational as quickly as possible.
Our Solution
Conlon delivered a comprehensive education development programme, including:
- Construction of a new purpose-built academy campus
- Modern teaching and learning facilities
- Refurbishment of the existing four-court sports hall
- Upgrades to create a 657m² sports facility
- Three new Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs)
- Integration of retained school infrastructure and playing fields
- Extensive external works and landscaping
- Modern support and ancillary accommodation
- Infrastructure designed to support future educational needs
Through close collaboration with the client, consultants and supply chain partners, the programme was carefully managed to maximise efficiency and maintain momentum throughout construction.
The Outcome
The completed academy provides Fylde Coast Academy Trust with a high-quality educational environment that combines modern facilities, enhanced sports provision and flexible learning spaces within a campus designed for long-term success.
By delivering the project 12 weeks ahead of schedule, Conlon enabled the trust to realise the benefits of the new facilities earlier than planned, demonstrating the value of proactive planning, strong collaboration and effective project delivery.
Today, Armfield Academy stands as a flagship educational facility for Blackpool, providing an inspiring environment where pupils can learn, develop and achieve for years to come.
The leadership of the new school and the FCAT staff were very impressed with the high quality of the building, its design features and the fact that your team completed the project 3 months earlier than anticipated.