Ainscough Crane Hire helps create new modular school for Leeds 

Ainscough Crane Hire has worked with its client Algeco to help create what will be a state-of-the-art modular school in Leeds. 

Last year Algeco was awarded a £19.2m contract to build the Laurence Calvert Academy Middleton Complex. 

Work began last summer, with a planned completion date in August 2023. Algeco is acting as Principal Contractor to provide a full turnkey solution involving the construction of a three-storey whole school block and associated external works. Algeco’s factory in Carnaby, East Yorkshire, has undertaken the offsite manufacture of the school. 

The school is being built using Algeco’s modular solution. A total of 192 modules have been supplied, along with a hybrid build for the sports hall areas. The works involve construction of a three-storey school block and associated external works. 

Ainscough Crane Hire’s Heavy Cranes team was appointed by Algeco to help construct the modular school. 192 modules were lifted into place by a 500t crane, with eight modules lifted into place each day. 

Laurence Calvert Academy Middleton Complex is a 1,050 place (7FE) new build Secondary school for pupils aged 11 – 16. The new school is being created to meet the growing need for secondary school places in Middleton, south Leeds, and is being funded by the Department for Education (DfE). The school will be operated by the Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust (Cockburn MAT), and will be known as Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy. 

The academy is named after Sergeant Laurence Calvert who was a former student and was awarded a Victoria Cross in 1918. 

Paul McNaughton, national account manager, Ainscough Crane Hire, said: “It’s always a real pleasure for our team when we work with companies like Algeco, a business that is really driving forward what can be achieved with modular construction.  

 “The planning for this job was extensive, but once on site, it was a relatively simple process to lift the modules into place. It’s been an inspiring project to be part of, and when complete the new complex will be an inspiring place to learn.”