Work commences on Oasis Academy Silvertown's new permanent home - a 600-student ‘superblock’

It’s official, work has begun on the new five-storey ‘superblock’ secondary academy which is being built in the heart of Newham.

The new Oasis Academy Silvertown, which is being built on the site of the former Silvertown fire station in North Woolwich Road, will have capacity for 600 students aged 11 to 16 and feature a large sports pitch situated on the roof.

The new building’s design features folded external walls to create a layered effect and warm white brickwork will be used on the façade to complement the residential properties in the area - including the nearby Grade II listed Silo D, which dates back to the 1920s.

The community is at the heart of the schools design. A double-height colonnade will open up into the reception area, creating a bright entrance space for visitors.

Richard Dobson, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, commented saying; “Staff and students at Oasis Academy have been eagerly anticipating the start of work on their new school building and we’re delighted to be working with the Department for Education to help turn this vision into a reality.”

“Community is at the heart of the school’s design, with education and social spaces spread across different levels to create a holistic learning and development experience.”

“This promises to be a transformational investment for the West Silvertown community which will provide hundreds of young people with a state-of-the-art learning centre.”

“Morgan Sindall Construction is well versed in delivering major education projects and we’re looking forward to working closely with the DfE and our partners to create a stunning new home for Oasis Academy.”

Johanna Thompson, Principal at Oasis Academy Silvertown, commented after the plans for the new school were approved last year saying; “We are very much looking forward to the enhanced facilities our permanent building will offer our students and the community, including excellent sports, music and arts facilities.”

In July of last year, the council gave the green light for the school to stay at the temporary site for another two years while its new home is built. It’s due to be completed in December 2021.