Member Article

Ground breaking marks start of school expansion project

A ground-breaking ceremony has marked the start of site works for an expansion project at Beeston Hill St Luke’s C of E Primary School in Leeds.

During the ground-breaking ceremony, which was attended by representatives from Leeds City Council, the Leeds Local Education Partnership, NPS Leeds, Henry Boot Construction Limited and Beeston Hill St Luke’s Primary School, a group of school children spoke to the construction team to learn about the works involved.

Henry Boot Construction are the principal contractor for the works that were procured through the Strategic Partnering Agreement between the Leeds Local Education Partnership (LLEP) and Leeds City Council. Henry Boot Construction have also engaged the multi-disciplinary design services of NPS Leeds Ltd to continue supporting the delivery through construction.

The project will provide 105 additional pupil places at the school, including provision for up to 13 Special Educational Needs (SEN) pupils, and is expected to be completed in time for the start of the new academic year in September 2020.

The scope of works includes the construction of a new, two-storey building comprising first floor classrooms and a SEN resource provision, as well as a hall and staff room on the ground floor. The construction team will also create a specialist arts space, behavioural support and remodel some areas in the existing school, including a new kitchen and courtyard.

Externally, an extension of the car park, including a dedicated SEN drop-off provision and electric vehicle charging points, will complete the planned scope of works.

Commenting on the project, Tony Shaw from Henry Boot Construction Limited, said:

“This ground-breaking ceremony marks the start of our first project to be delivered with the Leeds LEP. We are delighted to be working on the expansion of the school which will create much-needed facilities to ensure the school can continue to grow and help young people to flourish.”

Speaking on behalf of the school governors, Eric Whitehouse, said:

“The governors, children and staff are very pleased and excited at the expansion of our school, and look forward to the finished result in time for the September 2020 school year.

“Everyone involved in the project, from the planners to the builders, has been fantastic as they have listened to our ideas and, where possible, incorporated them into the design. The children have been particularly keen and eager to visit the site to share their ideas.

“The new building and the additional remodelling of the present site will transform our school and make it fit for the 21st century, and for that we are very grateful to Leeds City Council for funding this amazing new build. It will provide welcome additional places throughout school as well as establishing a much needed specialist resource for autistic children.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kirsten Howells .