Elliott Hudson College in Beeston, Leeds has selected a preferred contractor to deliver its new sixth form college building.

Acting through the Education Funding Agency’s (EFA’s) regional framework, the College is now working with BAM Construction on the initial stages of the £11.1 million new home that will unite its students and staff who are currently in two separate buildings.


BAM will substantially refurbish a former data centre located on the White Rose Office Park into the new college, stripping the building back to its shell, adding new perimeter glazing and overlaying the existing roof.  Enabling works are commencing while the full contract is finalised. BAM will also conduct some external works. The scheme will complete in time for the start of the 2017 term.

Part of the GORSE Academies Trust, Elliott Hudson College is a growing free school sixth form. The new location is less than a half mile away from its existing accommodation and will provide 1000 places. It will offer more than 30 different A-level courses. The Trust also runs the Farnley Academy and the Morley Academy. Both are rated as outstanding.

Bond Bryan is the architect and the technical advisor is Jacobs. BAM Design is providing both structural and building services engineering. BAM is also the contractor behind the £21 million 1580-place new permanent home for The Ruth Gorse Academy. The company has an extensive track record in education especially within Yorkshire, where it is also currently appointed to build UTC Leeds, and New College Doncaster.

For BAM, John Scahill, Bid Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering this exciting scheme and continuing our excellent relationship with the Trust. This unique facility will bring the college together under one roof and deliver a dynamic learning environment’.

Sir John Townsley, Executive Principal of The GORSE Academies Trust said:

“We are delighted to be once again working with BAM on such an important project. We are delighted with the success of the now completed Ruth Gorse Academy which is beginning to change the face of secondary education in Leeds city centre. Elliott Hudson College is a revolutionary concept in its own right and it is essential that in fulfilling our vision we align ourselves to the very best partners available nationally.  This is what BAM is.’