Conlon Construction unveils one of the UK’s first net zero primary

Conlon Construction has delivered one of the UK's most sustainable primary school projects at Seven Stars Primary School and Nursery in Leyland.

The project has been carried out by the Preston construction company on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) and the new building replaces a school that served the community for over 50 years.

Seven Stars celebrated the official opening of the new school with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by South Ribble Borough Council leader Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, chair of governors Carol Stunnel, vice chair Cllr Colin Sharples, pupils, staff, and representatives from Conlon.

Home to 210 pupils, Seven Stars is one of the first 50 schools built to achieve net zero carbon in operation, in line with the DfE’s sustainability standards. Conlon was appointed to the project for its proven expertise in both education and sustainable construction.

The two-storey building includes eight classrooms spanning Early Years to Year 6, two specialist classrooms for children with special educational needs (SEN), and a multi-use main hall for PE, assemblies, school lunches, and community hire.

Sustainability is central to the design, which incorporates green roofs, solar panels, passive ventilation, air source heat pumps, and high-performance insulation. The building eliminates the use of fossil fuels for heating and hot water entirely.

Outside, the development includes a central playground, two smaller play areas for Early Years and SEN pupils, new play equipment, two covered outdoor learning spaces, and a dedicated habitat zone with a pond. A new car park with electric charging points, supporting the project’s net zero carbon goals, was also delivered as part of the works.

Conlon appointed a local supply chain throughout the project, including Bowker Sadler Architecture, Bowker Building Services Engineers for MEP, Pete Marquis Contractors for groundworks, and Taylor Decorating Contractors.

Pupils were actively engaged throughout the project, from safely laying the first few bricks to watching crane lifts under careful supervision. Conlon’s mascot, Charlie Conlon, also made regular appearances during school assemblies, adding to the excitement and learning experience.

Darren Lee, commercial director at Conlon, said: “We’re thrilled to see students and teachers begin to reap the benefits of their new, net zero carbon in operation school. This intake of pupils will experience the very best sustainable build practices, which is set to shape future expectations and understanding of how educational buildings can and should work.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the school community during the project, and we’d like to thank everyone involved in the build for their collaboration and support. From the students, teachers, parents, support staff and neighbours in the community, to the build teams and supply chain on site, this is absolutely a group effort, set to benefit local children for generations to come.”

Conlon remains on site to complete the final phase of works, including the demolition of the former junior building and creation of a new multi-use games area, which is due for completion early next year.

Mike Mitchell, headteacher at Seven Stars, said: "We are so proud of our brand-new school. It was a joy to see the children excitedly entering their new classrooms, exploring the grounds, and enjoying all the facilities. The new school will ensure that our children, and generations to come, have the best start in life and are educated in a place of aspiration, inclusion, and joy.

“We are especially grateful to Conlon, their supply chain and the DfE for their constant support and quality workmanship. The strong partnerships we developed throughout the project is what enabled us to achieve this wonderful outcome.”