Leisure centre contractor engages and inspires students through special design project

Stepnell has worked with Lichfield District Council to run a 4-week exercise at Chase Terrace Academy which tasked three groups of Year 8 students to design and create development proposals for a housing estate. The project asked the students to consider and include 10 properties, infrastructure and features for sustainability and leisure. 

Last Thursday, 27 February, students presented their work to a panel which included representatives from Lichfield District Council, Stepnell and Compliance Chain, which provides social value management software for public sector clients, main contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry.

The students announced their business name, described their housing estate design and discussed how much they planned to sell the properties for.

The panel were able to support and provide feedback and praised the students’ imagination and creativity in devising the proposals, as well as their presentation skills at the final stage.

Stepnell’s Project Manager Steve Hollins rewarded them all with an invitation to the site of the new leisure centre at Stychbrook Park. 

Lichfield District Council Cabinet member Councillor Alex Farrell said: “I was delighted to attend the presentations at Chase Terrace Academy and very impressed with the students’ confident delivery and the quality of their proposals.

 “I’d like to thank Stepnell whose project with the academy supports our Social Value program which aims to see local residents benefit directly from our procurement spend.  

“It ensures that for every pound spent by the council on the delivery of goods, services and works, that pound also delivers wider social, economic, or environmental benefits to the community. Stepnell’s project at Chase Terrace Academy is a great example of social value in practice.” 

Natasha Heritage, Social Value Manager at Stepnell, said: “At Stepnell, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed. 

“Through this initiative, we’re providing students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world career insights to help them stay engaged in education and build a brighter future. By investing in young people today, we’re shaping the skilled workforce of tomorrow while making a real difference in our communities.”

Matt Birt, Head of Year 8 at Chase Terrace Academy, said: “I am delighted with the impact Stepnell’s construction project has had for our pupils. The boys had to make use of teamwork, creativity, logical thinking, problem solving and communication skills in a variety of ways. 

“They have shown genuine excitement and displayed great tenacity and aspiration to tackle the challenges presented to them. All the boys who took part can be very proud of their achievement and can use this as a springboard into thinking about their future and how their school life will support them. I really hope we can run this project again and give more pupils the opportunity to take part.”

The students described the project as ‘fun and challenging’ and they liked ‘being able to work as a team’. 

“I was a bit nervous for the presentation, but I’m glad I did it,” said one. “It helped me become more confident with talking to people I don’t know.”