Plume Academy secondary school expansion plans revealed

Construction works are underway at Plume Academy in Fambridge Road as part of an Essex County Council investment to create 300 new school places across the next three academy years.

CGI imagery from Ingleton Wood, a Colchester property and construction consultancy business, show the outside of the science block and sports hall.

Both buildings are being built from the ground up.

The science block will provide students with modern laboratories and dedicated spaces to encourage experimentation.

The sports hall will be expanded to allow students to have access to high quality facilities.

Vision - the science block (Image: Ingleton Wood) Plans were agreed last year as the need for additional spaces is due to the town’s growing population and housing developments in Limebrook Way and Heybridge.

Colchester firm Cadman Construction, based in Stanway, is leading the project.

During its first phase, the car park has been completed which aims to improve accessibility.

Phase two, Plume Academy’s science block and sports hall, is now underway.

CGI - how the sports hall could look from the outside (Image: Ingleton Wood) Andrew Marchant, senior associate and building surveyor at Ingleton Wood, also based in Colchester, added: “Our multi-disciplinary expertise has underpinned the strategic estate planning and design of this transformational two-form entry expansion across both campuses, which will not only enhance the learning environment, but also futureproof the school’s facilities in line with its growing curriculum needs.

“Congratulations to everyone involved – it’s a privilege to help shape the educational landscape for Maldon and the wider Essex community.”

Richard Scott, director of finance and premises at Plume Academy, said: “We look forward to the completion of the works and to be able to welcome new students to site in 2026”.

Stuart Cadman, managing director of Cadman Construction, said: “We are committed to delivering the highest quality construction while supporting the school’s vision of providing an exceptional education for its students.”

It is hoped the whole project will be finished in late summer next year.