Burnage Academy For Boys Installs New Outdoor Dining Canopy

Burnage Academy For Boys is a secondary school in Burnage, Manchester. The school supports around 980 boys aged eleven to sixteen each school day. The site is busy, especially during lunch, with pupils moving between buildings. Management wanted to improve outdoor dining so pupils could use the space in all weather.

Project Overview

WeatherSpan®

Steelwork:

Anthracite Grey - RAL NO. 7016
Roof:

Opal

The school has large outdoor areas used for social time and dining. Rain and cold often forced pupils back inside during lunch breaks. This caused crowding indoors and reduced choice for pupils. The school wanted a covered space that felt open, safe, and easy to supervise.

Management were also mindful of daily wear on the site. Any new structure needed to be strong and simple to maintain. It had to suit a large secondary setting with heavy daily use. The solution also needed to fit beside the building without blocking access routes.

Challenges

Weather exposure: Rain and cold limited outdoor dining during much of the year.
Crowded indoor areas: Pupils had fewer options when outdoor space was unusable.
High footfall: The space needed to handle daily use by large numbers of pupils.
School routine: Installation had to avoid disruption to lessons and movement.

Our Solution

A&S Landscape worked closely with Burnage Academy For Boys from the start. After understanding how pupils used the area at lunch and reviewing access points and movement paths, we recommended a WeatherSpan® canopy. This free standing apex polycarbonate roof canopy suited the space and usage well.

The canopy measures 18,000mm by 10,000mm and covers a large dining zone. This size allows many pupils to sit and move comfortably under cover. The open design supports clear views and easy supervision by staff. Its position links indoor dining with outdoor seating in a simple way.

The steel structure was finished in Anthracite Grey RAL 7016. The roof uses opal polycarbonate panels to let in light while blocking rain. Our team planned the work around the school day to reduce disruption. Groundworks and installation were completed safely and on schedule.

Key Features and Materials

Structure: Steel frame finished in RAL 7016 with our Duracoat™ finish for long life.
Roofing: Opal polycarbonate panels that provide shelter while keeping the space bright.
Roof design: Apex steel roof that supports drainage and improves water run-off.
Guttering: Built-in system to manage rainwater and keep walkways dry.
Sides: Open sided layout for airflow, visibility, and easy movement.
Flooring: Existing hard surface retained for safe and familiar use.

Results

All-weather dining: Pupils can now eat outside in rain and colder weather.
Reduced crowding: Indoor dining areas are less busy at peak times.
Improved comfort: Pupils and staff enjoy a calmer lunch environment.
Smooth delivery: The project was completed with minimal impact on learning.

Client Testimonial

“Great finish and space improvement for the site. The quality of installation is excellent and prompt. Quality of groundwork is excellent and completed on time with minimal disruption to education. Thank you!”

Conclusion

Burnage Academy For Boys now has a covered dining area that works all year. The WeatherSpan® canopy gives pupils more choice at lunch time. Staff benefit from better flow and easier supervision of the space. The structure fits neatly beside the building and supports daily routines.

This project shows how a simple canopy can make a big difference in a school. The installation of this canopy has improved comfort, use of space, and the pupil experience. The canopy is strong, bright, and built for long-term school use. A&S Landscape was proud to deliver a practical solution for a busy school site.