Bam signs £33m deal with Kent University

Bam has been awarded a £33m contract to build a secondary school in Kent.

A Dutch-owned contractor will build a 750-student replacement facility for Orchards Academy in Swanley.

In this project bam It will provide new classrooms and indoor and outdoor sports spaces within the existing school operating premises.

A modular structure will be used to minimize disruption to the live school, with completion scheduled for summer 2026.

The new building, designed by Bond Bryan Architects, is divided into an education block and a sports block to accommodate a variety of learning needs.

Bam said the completed school will feature increased thermal efficiency, ample natural light, balanced spaces, teacher adjacency, and integrated furniture and equipment.

It will be designed to be net-zero operationally, and key sustainability elements include 1,400 square metres of solar panels, a green roof and low-carbon structural concrete.

BAM has built 675,000 square meters of educational facilities over the past 15 years, serving more than 90,000 students.

Construction Manager Daniel Brenchley said: “The Orchard Academy meets the highest standards of quality and sustainable design and is perfectly aligned with our mission to build a sustainable tomorrow.

“The building’s thoughtful spaces allow for plenty of natural light, creating an environment that supports learning and growth for all learning needs.

“Once completed, the academy will be an integral part of the local community and the school’s modern facilities will provide a base for local sports teams, organisations and the public.”

Bam is Signed £38m deal in March To build a new school building in Lincolnshire.