Alkerden Academy

NUGENT are proud to have delivered the MEP package for GRAHAM on the landmark Alkerden Academy development in Ebbsfleet Garden City, Kent.

Alkerden Academy became one of the largest education facilities in Kent, occupying an impressive 11.1-hectare site and providing more than 2,200 places for primary and secondary school pupils. Delivered in a single phase to minimise disruption to the surrounding area, the academy formed a key part of the wider Whitecliffe development and represented a significant investment in education provision across Ebbsfleet Garden City.

The campus comprised an eight-form-entry secondary school extending to five storeys, alongside a two-form-entry, two-storey primary school. Facilities included a sixth-form campus, nursery provision and a 25-place specialist resource provision for autistic pupils. The development also featured dedicated art, technology, science and music studios, an industry-standard community sports centre, 4G football pitches, car parking and associated access roads.

Designed and constructed to high environmental standards, the project incorporated BIM Level 2 processes and achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating. The sustainable design included advanced mechanical and electrical systems, including MVHR and NVHR technologies, windcatchers and energy-efficient LTHW systems.

MEP Contracts Director, Brendan Gildernew, said, “Alkerden Academy was a fantastic project to be involved in, both in terms of its scale and the positive impact it will have on the local community for years to come. Delivering the full MEP package across such a large and complex educational facility required strong coordination, effective planning and close collaboration with GRAHAM and the wider project team.” He also spoke about the mechanical aspect of the project, by adding, “This was a rewarding technical challenge, with a wide range of mechanical systems delivered to create a comfortable, safe and energy-efficient learning environment. Through strong coordination and teamwork, we successfully installed and commissioned the systems to support the academy’s long-term performance and sustainability.”

NUGENT successfully delivered the MEP package across the development, with key works including:

• MVHR systems installed throughout the academy
• Off-site manufactured (OSM) plant rooms delivered and positioned on site
• HVAC systems installed throughout
• Primary school windcatchers fully installed and commissioned
• External LTHW pipework and trace heating installed
• Ventilation final-fix grilles installed
• Sprinkler systems installed throughout
• Sanitaryware final-fix works completed
• Science laboratory services fully installed
• AOV and smoke shaft systems installed throughout
• Sprinkler pump house completed
• LTHW, sprinkler, ventilation and CAT 5 BCW services installed within the science laboratories
• NVHR systems installed throughout and fully commissioned

Our Major Projects Operations Director, Richard Gilmour, said, “Working on Alkerden Academy was an excellent opportunity to contribute to a major educational development with a strong focus on sustainability, performance and long-term building operation. With the complexity of the overall MEP package, close coordination with the mechanical team and other trades was essential to ensure the services were integrated effectively and delivered to the required standards. Managing the interfaces, maintaining quality and supporting the wider programme were key priorities throughout. Seeing the project completed as a modern, fully integrated educational campus is a proud achievement for the team and reflects the commitment and expertise NUGENT brings to projects of this scale.”

The completed academy played a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for school places in Kent, with Kent County Council forecasting an increase of more than 4,000 secondary school places by 2030.

Alongside the academy, Alkerden Village included plans for approximately 1,700 homes, a market centre featuring a supermarket and a gym, helping to create a vibrant new community centred around high-quality education, housing, leisure and community facilities.

The completion of Alkerden Academy marked a significant milestone for the Whitecliffe development, delivering a modern, sustainable learning environment designed to support future generations across the growing Ebbsfleet Garden City community.

A fantastic project to have been part of, demonstrating NUGENT’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable MEP solutions on landmark developments.

Download PDF