Building work begins on £16 million school project

Work has started on a £16 million education hub rebuild.

Contractor Galliford Try has broken ground at St Helen’s Primary School, in Hartlepool.

Bosses say the project will deliver a two-storey building set to open in April 2027.

They add the existing single-storey school site will then be demolished to create an outdoor sports area.

According to the scheme’s blueprint, the new base will be “built to a higher specification than normal primary schools, so the building can withstand Hartlepool’s challenging coastal conditions”.

Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash helped turn the first sod on the development alongside headteacher Marcus Newing, school governor Chris Lamb and Jo Heaton, chief executive at the Northern Lights Learning Trust multi-school body.

Marcus said: “Pupils will get to see the new school take shape every day, and there will be opportunities for them to be involved in the project, through poster competitions and careers talks.”

Jo added: “We are delighted Northern Lights has been able to secure a new school for the St Helen’s community.

“One of our trust values is community, and we are proud St Helen’s is a school that is firmly at the heart of its community.”

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