GMI Construction Group is helping deliver a £3m transformation of a specialist Rotherham school, including the creation of a dedicated Rebound Therapy Centre.
The Leeds-based contractor is supporting the Great Yorkshire Build at Hilltop School in Maltby, near Rotherham, which supports children and young people from 2-19 with severe and profound and/or learning difficulties and is part of Nexus Multi Academy Trust.
The transformation is being led by Yorkshire Children’s Charity, with £2.2m of the £3m project secured through pro-bono support and the remaining funding provided by Nexus Multi Academy Trust.
GMI is delivering the construction of the Rebound Therapy Centre, which will feature two purpose-built sunken trampolines, a new sensory room and space for physiotherapy, creating a multifaceted therapeutic and learning environment. Rebound Therapy uses trampolines to provide therapeutic movement and exercise for people with additional needs, helping improve balance, coordination, core strength and body awareness, as well as providing valuable sensory input.
Sam Wimpenny, GMI’s Commercial Director for Yorkshire, said: “It’s been a challenging build because we’re creating a specialist facility within a tight footprint, but everyone involved understands what it will mean to the pupils. “We also couldn’t have done it without the support of our incredible supply chain, who, together with the GMI team, have contributed a huge amount of time, expertise and resources.”
The wider redevelopment, involving a range of companies from the construction and property sector, includes new classrooms, improved accessibility, toilets, kitchenette and staff facilities, specialist equipment and improved learning spaces, replacing cramped and unsuitable temporary accommodation.
Charlotte Farrington, CEO of Yorkshire Children’s Charity, said: “Since the charity was founded in 2022, GMI has supported us and has been part of every Great Yorkshire Build we have delivered. Their generosity never ceases to amaze me, but just as important are the passion, commitment and can-do attitude they bring to every project. “There is a real sense of pride across the GMI team in what they are helping to achieve, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything they have done.”
Lisa Suter, Executive Regional Director at Nexus Multi Academy Trust, said: “We could never have achieved anything on this scale without the Great Yorkshire Build. It is creating the space our young people need not just to learn, but to thrive. “The Rebound Therapy Centre will play a vital role. Even five or ten minutes on a trampoline can provide benefits that help facilitate a young person’s learning throughout the rest of their school day.”
Brendan Tannam, Responsible Business Partner for Yorkshire and the North East at GMI, said: “We believe in leaving a lasting impact in the communities in which we work, and a key part of that is supporting young people with additional needs and those in specialist education. “Hilltop is a great example of what that commitment can achieve. The facilities being created here will benefit not only today’s pupils, but children and families for generations to come.”
Work on the transformation began in 2025 and is being delivered in phases.
