Henry Boot Construction is one of the main contractors leading the delivery of the Great Yorkshire Build, a major pro bono transformation of Hilltop School in Rotherham – a special educational needs school supporting children with complex needs.

We recently spoke with Ian Gresser, Head of Pre-Construction at Henry Boot Construction, who explores how the Hilltop School project represents “social value done right” – going beyond contractual obligations to deliver lasting, life-changing impact. We also discussed what this could mean for the construction sector more broadly, and how genuine collaboration can set a new national benchmark for meaningful social value across the industry.

Firstly, what is the Great Yorkshire Build project and what drew Henry Boot Construction to get involved?

Hilltop School is a special educational needs school in Rotherham that supports 180 children with complex needs. Our £3 million transformation project, delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Children’s Charity through its Great Yorkshire Build initiative, is bringing together more than 50 Yorkshire-based construction firms to replace temporary, inadequate facilities with modern, purpose-built classrooms and therapy spaces. The scheme includes a full site reconfiguration to improve access, three new classrooms, a rebound therapy room, and the creation of modern, inspiring learning environments.

At Henry Boot Construction, we’ve always been focused on leaving a lasting legacy in the places where we work and live. That ethos runs through every project we take on. Each scheme is supported by a carefully considered social value plan, ensuring we maximise benefits for local communities and create positive impact that extends far beyond the build itself.

So, when Yorkshire Children’s Charity showcased Hilltop School as the next part of the Great Yorkshire Build, we saw not only the urgent need but also an opportunity to get behind something that would truly change lives – a project that greatly aligned with our purpose and values.

Rotherham is also a special place for us – we’re currently working with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council on the £36m redevelopment of Rotherham Markets and a new library, a key part of the wider town centre masterplan. Being able to contribute to both the civic and community fabric of the town is something we’re incredibly proud of.

What does “social value done right” mean to you, and how does the Great Yorkshire Build represent that?

Social value is a phrase often used in construction, but it can sometimes be viewed as a tick-box exercise. For us, it has never been about meeting targets, it’s about making a real, lasting difference – improving people’s lives, opening opportunities, and giving communities the facilities they deserve.

The work being carried out at Hilltop School embodies this approach because the project will transform the daily experiences of 180 children with complex needs, as well as their teachers and families. That’s impact far beyond bricks and mortar, and it has been made possible by sector-wide collaboration – construction companies uniting to do the right thing.

This is one of the reasons we see this project as a blueprint for the sector. It highlights the difference between tick-box social value and genuine, collaborative, community-changing initiatives.

What role did Henry Boot Construction and its supply chain play in making the transformation possible?

We’ve taken on the role of main contractor for the first section of works, covering preliminaries and site management free of charge. And thanks to the generosity of our supply chain partners – many of whom are giving time, labour, and materials either for free or heavily discounted – we’ve been able to drive cost savings of around £650,000 for the charity. It’s been a genuine team effort, with subcontractors and suppliers stepping up to share their skills and show their support.

What does this project say about collaboration across the construction sector?

It shows what’s possible when the industry unites for a shared purpose. As we’re often bidding against one another for contracts, the construction and property sectors are naturally competitive, but to see everyone put that aside and join forces for Hilltop School has been incredibly rewarding.

The truth is that the school should never have been in a situation where children were learning in cramped, unfit teaching spaces and temporary buildings well past their best. And while it’s unfortunate that it took a charity-led initiative to make change happen, the way companies have pulled together demonstrates the best of our sector. It’s showing teamwork in action and putting people before profit, and it’s a powerful reminder that collaboration can create a legacy the whole industry can be proud of.

Do you see the Great Yorkshire Build as a potential benchmark for how the construction industry approaches social value nationally?

Absolutely, it is proof of just how powerful social value can be when it’s done right. There’s a lot of good work being done by contractors across the UK, but too often it isn’t known about or built upon. The Great Yorkshire Build shows that when you put community needs at the heart of a project, you can deliver something truly transformational. It should be seen as a national blueprint for how the industry approaches social value – not as an add-on, but as an integral part of an entire project.

How will the project continue to deliver social value for years to come?

The impact won’t stop when we hand over the buildings. Hilltop School will provide inspiring, accessible learning environments that enrich the lives of students, staff, and families every single day.

Two further phases are already planned to start later in the year – a new-build three-classroom block at the back of the school, plus a rebound therapy centre at the front, featuring trampolines built into the ground and designed to be fully accessible.

We also hope this project and its momentum encourage the local authority and wider stakeholders to commit to completing the redevelopment of the rest of the school. Social value is about legacy, and the legacy here is giving children the environment they deserve.

Finally, what’s your message to others in the industry about supporting Hilltop School – and supporting social value more broadly?

The Great Yorkshire Build has only been possible because of the generosity and commitment of so many in our industry, but there’s still more to do, as only part of the school is being transformed in our phase. We’d encourage anyone who can offer support – whether financial contributions, materials, or expertise – to get involved with the further phases, not only to finish the job, but to show the power of “social value done right.”

At its heart, social value is about putting people first. It’s about designing projects that deliver lasting, measurable impact – creating opportunities, supporting education, strengthening local economies, and helping communities overcome barriers. The Great Yorkshire Build demonstrates what is possible when social value is embedded from the start, setting a standard for the sector and proving that construction can be a true force for lasting, positive change in communities.