School refurbishment plans move ahead

A County Durham education project is set to progress following new investment.

Esh Construction has secured a £4 million contract to refurbish parts of Greenfield Academy in Newton Aycliffe, adding to the £14 million new education hub already under construction. 

Appointed earlier this year to deliver the new three-storey facility alongside Durham County Council and the Advance Learning Partnership Multi Academy Trust, Esh will now support a wider phased upgrade of the existing school estate.

The refurbishment programme will be carried out in stages to limit disruption, beginning with improvements to the music and drama classrooms before moving on to the main hall, reception, dining and kitchen areas. 

Planned works include a full roof replacement with new insulation, updated ceilings and flooring, redecorated spaces and new partitions to create additional teaching rooms.

Mechanical and electrical systems will also be modernised, with LED lighting, new ventilation and improved drainage installed to support upgraded toilet facilities.

Grant Watson, construction director at Bowburn-headquartered Esh Construction, said: “We’re delighted to extend our involvement at Greenfield Academy through this significant refurbishment programme. 

“Alongside the new build, these works will transform key areas of the school, providing modern, high-quality spaces for teaching and learning.

“Our team is committed to delivering the project safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards, ensuring the school community benefits from improved facilities.”

James Keating, executive headteacher at Greenfield Academy, added: “We are thrilled to see this next phase of investment in our school. 

“The refurbishment works, alongside the new build facility, will completely transform our learning environment and provide exceptional facilities for both current pupils and future generations. 

“This project reflects our commitment to delivering the very best opportunities for our young people and ensuring Greenfield Academy remains at the heart of the community.”

The new education hub is due for completion in autumn 2026 and will introduce 19 classrooms, specialist subject areas and an extended sports centre designed to open for community use outside school hours.

Councillor Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, added: “Staff, students and the whole community are quite rightly excited by the school’s new build, and it’s important that the entire school estate offers students a modern, fit for purpose and inspiring learning environment.

“This refurbishment project will help to deliver that, providing state-of-the-art facilities for those who currently attend, as well as future generations of learners. 

“We look forward to seeing the project completed and witnessing the positive impact this will have on staff and students.”

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