Co-op Academy Belle Vue Social and Economic Impact Report

‘Co-op Academy Belle Vue Social and Economic Impact Report’ reveals impressive scope of development’s positive impact on the region

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. Download the full report Co-op Academy Belle Vue Social and Economic Impact Report.

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, as we worked with our supply chain partners 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 our 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. Along with our supply chain partners, we also hosted 18 apprenticeships, 34% of whom were from Manchester City Council postcodes.

Investing in local supply chains helped us 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.