A fantastic new multi-use school facility at Paignton Academy is five weeks away from opening its doors to students.

The project at Paignton Academy, part of the Bay Education Trust, is a single-storey, multi-use hall, creating a flexible new space suitable for a wide variety of uses.The Events Centre features retractable seating which leads to a mezzanine level and a lecture theatre which can also be used as a performance space. The new development, which replaces a dated 1930s teaching block, will also include a kitchen, dining hall, entrance lobby and reception. New groundworks, landscaping and car parking further improves the campus.

Mark Smith, Head Teacher at Paignton Academy, said: “This facility will give our students a specialist performing arts centre and a modern dining hall at the heart of the college. The students are excited about the opening of the centre and we are very much looking forward to using the space to improve the learning experience for all of its users.”

Stephen Kings, CEO of the Bay Education Trust, said: “This project adds so much value to Paignton Academy. Not only does it replace old accommodation with inspiring new facilities it enhances the offer to young people and parents of Torbay. TDA has supported this project from writing the bid for funding through to the final stages of the build. Their knowledge and understanding of the process has helped deliver this fantastic outcome.”

TDA helped secure 3.15m in capital funding for the project and has worked with partners, including Midas construction and Kensington Taylor Architects, to manage the build. TDA’s teams have also supplied quantity surveying, mechanical and electrical engineering, and structural engineering consultation throughout.

Clare Talbot, Education Team Manager at TDA, said: “We are incredibly proud of the support we can provide local schools to improve school accommodation and the learning environment. It is great to see the new facilities at Paignton Academy and we look forward to continue to work with the Bay Education Trust on existing and future projects. These projects will really help improve the outcomes and attainment of young people in Torbay.”

Mike Borkowski, Business Development Director at Midas Construction, said: “We’re very pleased to be celebrating reaching this crucial stage of development on site at Paignton Academy. It’s an innovative approach to creating a space which can be adapted to suit a number of uses and will provide top-quality facilities for the students of the academy now and in the future.”

Alistair Powe, Project Architect at KTA, said: “We have been delighted to be involved in this project to assist the Academy Trust rationalise and expand its school dining and multi-use hall facilities. Working closely with the other design team members within the confines of the budget and delivery times to deliver a new versatile educational facility.”

TDA continues to work with the Bay Education Trust to deliver projects at their primary centres, Kings Ash Academy and Curledge Street Academy.