‘Co-op Academy Belle Vue Social and Economic Impact Report’ reveals impressive scope of development’s positive impact on the region
27th July 2023 – Sir Robert McAlpine has generated almost £32 million for social impact initiatives in Manchester and the North West region during the development of Co-op Academy Belle Vue, according to the Co-op Academy Belle Vue Social and Economic Impact Report, published by the contractor today.
Run by Co-op Academies Trust and delivered by contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, the new 1,200-place co-educational secondary school welcomed its first cohort of pupils in September 2022 in temporary accommodation situated at Connell Co-op College before moving to the permanent site in January 2023, and expects to reach full student capacity in 2027. During its development, social value formed an integral part of all project decisions, with Sir Robert McAlpine and its supply chain partners working to create new jobs, offer apprenticeships, host T-Level and work experience and support local community groups.
The total social impact value of the project was measured using Loop’s social value measurement tool, which follows government methodologies and is in line with the National Themes, Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) Framework, the Social Value Model and UN Sustainable Development Goals. The calculations combine the project’s total Social Return on Investment (SROI) of £1,808,793 and the total economic impact of £29,981,399.88.
SROI is achieved through the delivery of social value key performance indicator targets. For Co-op Academy Belle Vue, targets included jobs created, apprenticeships supported, T-level students hosted, work experience offered, and charities and community groups engaged. For example, across all of Sir Robert McAlpine’s social value initiatives, education is a key priority – particularly considering sector skills shortages – and the project was proud to support 8 T-level students from Manchester College on site, and 16 work experience placements. Sir Robert McAlpine and supply chain partners also hosted 18 apprenticeships, 34% of whom were from Manchester City Council postcodes.
Investing in local supply chains helped drive the project’s positive economic impact for the region, alongside developing employment opportunities, including working with Ingeus’s Restart Scheme to support local people looking for that first step into employment with opportunities in construction. Six candidates were hosted for week-long work trials with supply chain partners, and all candidates found work following these trials.
Further figures from the report reveal:
- A social value ratio of £1.33, meaning for every pound spent on the project, there is an additional £1.33 for social and economic impact.
- A total of £9,648 raised through charity work and Sir Robert McAlpine’s Strong Foundations Grants for local community groups via ActionFunder.
- 58 jobs created, with 43% from Manchester City Council postcodes.
- 1,186 Toolbox Talk participants, a mental health, health and safety and sustainability engagement initiative for team members.
Commenting on the report, Paul Quinn, Sector Director, Sir Robert McAlpine, said,“Purpose beyond profit lies at the heart of all we do. Seeing what this means in practice in this new report is testament to how that principle has been embraced by our team members and supply chain partners. Hopefully the report will become part of a wider conversation about the importance of sustainability and community impact in our industry.”
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure for Manchester City Council, said: “We are determined in Manchester that construction projects such as this, as well as benefiting the community by creating a modern new school, deliver extra benefits for Manchester’s people as well.
“That means a legacy of jobs, apprenticeships and other learning opportunities. This project is a great example of how – working with partners who have embraced that ambition – this extra social value is being achieved.”
Dr Chris Tomlinson, CEO of the Co-op Academies Trust, said, “It’s fantastic to see how Sir Robert McAlpine and its supply chain partners maximised the opportunity of the project to deliver not only the new school for its generations of pupils to come, but to provide a lasting impact in the local community.”
Co-op Academies Trust was appointed by the Department for Education in partnership with Manchester City Council to lead the running of the school. Sir Robert McAlpine was appointed contractor for the project under the Pagabo Framework.