Expansion of west Hull school will offer host of new opportunities for students

Work is about to begin on a £6 million expansion of The Boulevard Academy, which will increase capacity in response to a growing demand for places, as well as enabling it to offer a range of new courses from September 2022.  

 The Boulevard Academy on Massey Close, west Hull welcomed its first pupils in September 2013. The school, which famously occupies the site of Hull FCs former Boulevard ground, was initially built to accommodate 600 students aged 11 to 16. But now, as the local population grows, a three-storey extension will be built on the existing school, creating an additional 300 places for students, taking the total capacity to 900. 

 The major expansion will include new dedicated rooms for food technology and textiles, meaning Boulevard will be able to offer courses in these subjects for the first time. There will be an additional multi-use games area and an activity studio added to the site, improving the outdoor exercise spaces for students, as well as enhancing the PE provision.  

 Two specialist music rooms with four new practice areas for lessons and rehearsals will be introduced, whilst improvements to computer science facilities will add two extra suites and additional classrooms.  

 Sewell Construction has been appointed to carry out the works which are expected to commence later in the month. Completion is expected in September 2022, and the school will remain fully operational throughout. 

 Richard Gray, Project Manager at Sewell Construction said;  

 “It is very exciting to start work on this project, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Hull Esteem, Hull City Council and the Academy to provide more than just a building to the staff and pupils.  

 “The extension will make such a huge difference to all involved and not only greatly enhance the Academy’s way of teaching, but open even more doors for students through the new courses that will be created because of it.” 

 External works will include developing the existing carpark to provide an additional 19 spaces, as well as the tarmac area of the playgrounds being increased slightly to allow for greater pupil numbers. 

Janice Mitchell, CEO and Principal of Boulevard Academy said: “It has obviously been an incredibly challenging time for everyone at Boulevard, as it has been for every school in the country, but our students and staff have been fantastic throughout and I couldn’t be prouder of the way everyone has responded. 

“I’m thrilled that our expansion plans have finally received formal approval. This significant expansion of our facilities and provision will mean we are able to respond to the increasing demand for places at Boulevard and offer new career opportunities for our students.  

“Here at Boulevard Academy, we are committed to providing our students with an outstanding, well-rounded education to give them the platform for success and this will help us do just that.” 

The expansion will also include a new library, art rooms, STEM (science, technology, English and maths) spaces and additional general-purpose classrooms 

 The project is being delivered in partnership with Hull Esteem Consortium LEP Ltd as part of Hull City Council’s £50 million investment into the city’s schools.  

Gavin Barley, General Manager at Hull Esteem said: “The expansion of The Boulevard Academy is going to open up so many opportunities for pupils, allowing the school to widen its curriculum and offer a variety of brand-new courses. 

“The design will enable and facilitate the school’s preferred teaching format and curriculum through a more functional layout to boost departmental relationships as well as creating a bigger space for SEN support, group work and music practice all within a purpose-built space.  

“We’re delighted to be able to work in partnership with Hull City Council and our local delivery partners, Sewell Construction, once again to deliver such an exciting education facility for the city.” 

Through Hull Esteem, the council has a loyal, local supply chain with a demonstrable track record of delivering both capital projects and operational support services. 

A Facebook group has been created for members of the public to follow the development of the school and will include regular updates from the site, frequently asked questions and more as work progresses.

To join, visit the group here.