The project was Highly Commended by judges in the RTPI East of England Awards for Planning Excellence.

The awards – organised by the Royal Town Planning Institute – highlight exceptional examples of how planning and planners have a positive impact on our quality of life and protect the environment.

Pix Brook became BEST’s ninth academy when it opened in a temporary, standalone facility in the grounds of Etonbury Academy in September 2019.

The free school’s permanent home in Stotfold was built over the course of the next 12 months, with staff and pupils moving in to that in September 2020.

Entered into the RTPI awards by property consultants Bidwells, other key partners in the project were Willmott Dixon and Central Bedfordshire Council.

The submission read: “This new school embraced modern methods of construction to meet the existing and future educational needs of over 1,000 students.

“With sustainability at its heart, the development provides a main school building with sports hall, drama studio, games areas, football pitches and athletics track. In addition, the ‘Now or Never’ pod will enable outdoor learning for a net-zero carbon classroom.

“The school took just 52 weeks to construct.”

Impressed judges said: “Innovative and sustainable in its concept this building project also showed a clear focus on project management and delivery for the client.”

Read the RTPI East of England Awards full case study below: