Esh Construction gets to work on £13m Spennymoor primary school

Construction work on a £13m primary school and nursery in Spennymoor is set to get underway.

The new Springmoor Grange School, on the Durham Road site of the former Tudhoe Grange Comprehensive School, will replace the existing Ox Close Primary and Oxclose Nursery Schools. It will accommodate 630 primary school pupils alongside a 52-place nursery unit for children aged two and older.

The project is being designed and funded by Durham County Council and will ensure school provision in Spennymoor keeps pace with growing demand for places.

Councillor Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We’re delighted to be investing in this new school for Spennymoor. This is an investment in giving children the best start in life and providing modern and inspirational facilities fit for a 21st century education.

“It’s a much-needed investment too, as the existing buildings are in a poor condition and aren’t big enough to accommodate the growth in demand for places in the area. There are so many benefits to bringing the school and nursery together on one site. For a start, it will mean staff can work together as a team far more easily.

“It’ll also make for a smoother transition for the children, with continuity of learning in a familiar learning environment. All of these things will make for a seamless transition from early years to primary education.”

The two schools already work closely together after forming the Ox Close Federation in November 2018.

Anna Bowden, the federation’s deputy executive headteacher, said: “The children and staff are very excited that the build of Springmoor Grange is set to start. We have worked very closely with Durham County Council to ensure that the new build is the best it can possibly be for the children of Spennymoor not only now, but for many years to come.”

Pam Sneath, the federation’s chair of governors, added: “Both Oxclose Nursery and Ox Close Primary have been very popular choices within the town and we are very proud of the excellent starts in life that we have provided for so many young children.”

The new Springmoor Grange School is being built by County Durham-based Esh Construction, with preparatory works now underway ahead of construction.

Chris Hale, pre-construction director at Esh Construction, said: “We are committed to creating a legacy through the scheme and will endeavour to maximise the social and economic value for the local community by employing a local workforce, procuring a local supply chain and engaging within the local community.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily