More than 200 extra school places are to be created at Bishopton Primary School this year, as part of ongoing expansion works by Leicestershire contractor, Ashe Construction.
The £2.1m investment to expand the Stratford-upon-Avon school will include an enlargement of the current assembly hall, a new area of car parking and eight additional classrooms.
Due for completion in September, the expansion works will double the number of classes for each year group, taking the overall number of pupils from 210 to 420, to help meet demand for school places in the area.
The first phase of the project, which included the landscaping of the car park, has now been completed and contract manager for the project Robert Slack of Ashe Construction is pleased with the progress so far.
He said: “As an empa framework partner, we’re committed to helping public sector projects complete projects on time and in budget.
“The construction work has gone extremely well and having just finished the first phase of the project, we are on course to complete the expansion in time for the start of the new school year.
“We have a great relationship with the school and pupils and have worked hard to ensure we are not effecting the day to day running of the school.
“The expansion will not only double the number of school places, but also enable Bishopton Primary to become a two form entry school. We are glad to be part of such a significant project.”
Headteacher, Lester Hunt for Bishopton Primary School added: “Due to major housing developments and the predicted lack of school places in the area, Bishopton Primary School was required to undergo a major re-development.
“Ashe Construction has from day one struck up an excellent working partnership with the school with effective liaison between myself and the site manager, allowing the school to function just as effectively. The children have also taken a keen interest in the work burying a time capsule and visiting the site.
“Progress on the project is good and we are now beginning to see real changes with brick and steel work going up and the new car park is also ready for its grand opening. We look forward to construction continuing in the same positive manner and having completion ready for the new academic year in September.”
The scheme was procured through the empa framework which was created in 2008 to help local authorities save time and money during construction projects.
Head of empa, Alan Coole added: “This is a significant project that will largely benefit the school and surrounding communities. It has not only created better facilities for the pupils and staff, but has also provided a number of much needed school spaces in the area.
“We are delighted that Ashe Construction has already achieved excellent results at the school through the empa framework and we look forward to seeing the pupils settle into their new surroundings come September.”
