Boldon School, UK

The Boldon School PPP project is a 25-year concession to finance, construct and refurbish, and maintain a school in Boldon, in the North East of England. It has been part of the HICL portfolio since 2011.

Since 2016, the project’s InfraRed asset managers acting through the board of the project company have actively supported the development of an eco-garden by pupils on the school site. The project company’s financial contribution to the initiative has enabled the school to buy and install a greenhouse with growing racks, a potting station and compost bins. It also allowed the school to buy all the protective equipment, tools and seeds they needed to ensure that pupils can work safely in the eco-garden.

The project allows students to work together towards common goals. The project also raises pupils’ awareness of the environment they live in, as well as encourage them to reflect on living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

The school’s science department commented that:

“Students in Year 7 and Year 8 have worked incredibly hard – they have laughed through the rainstorms, weeded until their backs ached and dug deep. They have developed team skills, tested their resilience and have built something truly great together. This is a fantastic space for the children!”