Mark Powell of Halifax has been awarded one of the construction industry's top accolades for his work as Project Manager of the new Campsmount Technology College in Doncaster.

Recognised by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) at its annual Construction Manager of the Year awards, Mark was commended for his leadership of the Wates Construction team at the flagship £10.7m school building. The project completed in April this year.

Receiving a Gold award in the New Build and Refurbishment Projects £8m – £13m category, Mark commented: "It's an honour to receive this recognition from the CIOB, which is a testament to the whole team that worked together to deliver the new Campsmount Technology College."


The project included the construction of a new 7,500 sq m state-of-the-art building to replace the original school, which was destroyed by fire in 2009. Facilities include flexible teaching spaces and multi-use sports pitches.

Recognised as the first school in the UK to demonstrate the government’s streamlined delivery of education buildings, Campsmount Technology College was built in just 12 months following a dramatically reduced procurement period of 22 weeks.

Mark continued: "Delivering a project in such tight timescales calls for very precise efficiency, the management of which is only made possible by keeping close partnerships with both the school and the project sub-contractors.

"I believe in the importance of an open book approach in ensuring that the end result meets the needs of both the staff and students. In projects such as Campsmount where budgets are particularly tight, this transparency and flexibility is the most effective way to ensure value for money, whilst maintaining a quality delivery."

David Price, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction, Yorkshire, commented: "I am delighted that the CIOB has awarded Mark with this much deserved accolade. It is a true reflection of his professionalism and commitment to achieving consistently high standards in our industry, a passion that has led to the exceptional delivery of Campsmount Technology College on time and on budget."

(CD/GK)