News from our partners: Praise at property awards for sustainable school scheme

News from our partners Pave Aways Limited

A Shropshire building contractor has been highly commended for its construction of net zero carbon school facilities at an awards ceremony celebrating the top property projects in the West Midlands.

Pave Aways Limited, local building contractors, received the award for its work at Harlescott Junior School, in the West Midlands Property Awards at Birmingham’s Metropole Hotel on 17 November 2022.

The £9.1m project, completed earlier this year for Shropshire Council, involved a number of new buildings and the refurbishment of the existing Victorian school, all to highly sustainable and energy efficient standards.

The new ‘state of the art’ school build at Harlescott Junior School. Image courtesy of Pave Aways

The build allowed Haughmond Federation to bring its infant and primary provision together on one site in Featherbed Lane. It included a new nursery setting, 18 classrooms, a pupil support hub, a hall, kitchen, offices and meeting rooms. The flagship project was one of the first to support Shropshire Council’s aim to reduce its emissions to zero by 2030.

Pave Aways Managing Director Steven Owen said:-

“This was a challenging build for many reasons, not least marrying the new build and renovation elements together, so to be highly commended in these prestigious awards was a great achievement and credit to our team.

“The project allowed us to develop new expertise in sustainable building methods, something we’re using on many other schemes as we look to build a greener future going forward.”

“As the only Shropshire team to be singled out by judges and one of only three highly commended projects, we’re flying the flag for the county among much larger and higher profile businesses in the Midlands so we’re proud of that too.”

Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, and Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said:-

“We’re absolutely delighted that Pave Aways have been highly commended for its construction of our ‘state of the art’ school buildings at Sundorne Infant School and Harlescott Junior School in Shrewsbury. This one of several projects we have invested in to secure high-quality and sustainable provision of primary and secondary places in Shrewsbury and surrounding areas.

“The Highly Commended award is one of several national accolades our schools new build programme has been recognised for over past year.

“As a beacon of sustainable excellence, we are so proud of the team who have developed the site. The fit for purpose build will benefit children and future generations, as well as the local and wider community.

“As the council works towards reducing carbon emissions, this recognition not only celebrates good design but also recognises innovative ways new buildings help support our environment.

“We would like to say a huge congratulations to all involved.”

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