Morgan Sindall to design and build new-look Wirral school
The education environment at Riverside Primary School in Seacombe is set to be transformed following the appointment of Morgan Sindall Construction to deliver a rebuild of the existing school buildings.
Riverside Primary School caters for 210 pupil places for ages 4-11 with an additional 34 nursery places for ages 2-4. Additionally, Wirral Council also fund an additional 16 places for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
The appointment via the Department for Education’s (DfE) construction framework is one of 518 projects identified within DfE’s School Rebuilding Programme.
Riverside is Morgan Sindall’s 46th project appointment through the DfE Construction Frameworks across its capital programmes, and the sixth in the North West.
The school’s two existing buildings will be demolished and be replaced with a single two storey building, with temporary accommodation being delivered during the build programme in order to facilitate delivery of this project.
The new buildings will incorporate an energy-efficient design with high sustainability standards and will be net zero in operation. Offering excellent facilities, the upgrades will transform the learning environment and support teachers to continue to deliver a high-quality education, so that pupils gain the knowledge, skills and foundations they need to succeed in their secondary education.
Pupils will be welcomed into the completed building at the start of the 2026/27 school year.
Developing the school design
Morgan Sindall has been working closely with key stakeholders through a series of Client Engagement Meetings (CEMs) to develop the design from its initial concept. These meetings have allowed for valuable collaboration, ensuring the new school meets the needs of pupils and staff while aligning with the DfE’s framework, specifications, and funding parameters.
The CEM process has now concluded, with strong engagement and positive outcomes. The next steps involve taking the designs to Public Consultation and preparing the planning submission. While awaiting approval, Morgan Sindall will continue refining the detailed design, ensuring a smooth transition into the construction phase later this year, keeping the project on track and within budget.
We recently caught up with the team to see how this process has impacted the project and what it means for the future of the school - watch the video below to learn more.
Steven Gregory, North West area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said:
We are delighted to be involved with the design and delivery of a new primary school for the Seacombe community. Creating state-of-the-art facilities like this help to give children the best start in life, and we are pleased to be playing our part. By working closely with Wirral Council, the Department for Education, and their advisors, we will deliver a new school tailored to pupils' needs, helping them achieve their full potential.”
Dave Wood, National Framework Director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said:
I am thrilled to be part of the design and delivery of the new Riverside School in Wirral. This project is especially close to my heart, as both my children attended the school. The staff and students are truly exceptional, and I’m delighted to help create new, high-quality facilities that will match the standard of education provided by the school."
Mrs C Lahive, Headteacher of Riverside Primary School remarked:
Riverside School is at the heart of the Seacombe community, and we’re thrilled to be getting a new school designed around the needs of our pupils, staff, and parents. The Client Engagement Meetings have been invaluable in shaping a space that truly supports our school community. We can’t wait to see it come to life and know it will make a huge difference for our pupils.”