New Team Valley factory to meet national demand

A joint project between Clearspace Buildings and Koru Property Services has moved a step closer to fruition as the two firms open a 600 sq ft factory on the Team Valley.

The two firms formed the partnership to produce eco-friendly classrooms through Clearspace Buildings’ range of permanent modular timber structures.

Blaydon MP Dave Anderson opened the new factory which will create eight new jobs.

He said: “Clearspace Buildings is a fantastic good news story for the region. Everybody wins; jobs are created and kids get classrooms that are cost effective and environmentally friendly.”

The partnership aims to meet growing national demand for a range of low cost classrooms.

Scott Horner, managing director of Clearspace explained: “I feel very much that we are at the start of something amazing. We have a fantastic product backed by the resources of Koru. Together we are creating one of the most recognised and trusted construction brands in education.

“The opening of the factory is an important part of our growth. It enables Koru and Clearspace to not only meet demand, but also expand, create jobs locally and contribute significantly to the region’s economy.”

Mr Anderson is fully supportive of Clearspace Buildings’ work with the Government’s Capital Policy Unit and education experts to raise awareness of funding routes for school buildings as well as provide practical help to schools to enable them to access available grants.

It is a subject close to his heart as four secondary schools within his Blaydon constituency had plans for their new buildings scrapped following the cancellation of the BSF Programme in 2010.

He added: “I am delighted to help Clearspace in any way I can and am inviting them to Parliament later in the year so they can share the Clearspace story with MPs across the country.”

The bespoke-designed buildings range in size from single classrooms to entire schools and can be fully constructed in as little as two weeks. The buildings are appearing at schools throughout the UK including the north east.

Mark Taylor, managing director of Koru Property Services explained: “We are delighted and excited by our venture with Clearspace Buildings. As a company we are constantly looking to evolve and increase our service and product offering and the partnership has enabled us to do just that.”

Based on the Team Valley, Koru Property Services was established in 2002 and provides a range of services, for minor and major projects, related to design and construction. Koru directly employees its own 44-strong team of architects, planners and construction experts, enabling it to minimise construction costs and project timeframes.