We have started work on a £3.2m expansion at a Telford school to deliver new classrooms, a nursery extension and other improvements to meet an increased demand for places.
We won the contract for Ladygrove Primary School in Old Office Road, Dawley, and the work will be completed by the end of July 2019.
The project involves building a single storey block of five classrooms, a nursery extension with entrance area, a hall, toilets, and office space. The existing kitchen at the school will also be removed and replaced with a much larger one.
Externally there will be an enclosed soft play area provided at the rear of the nursery. Additional car parking and paved areas will be created within newly landscaped grounds. The extension will replace two former demountable classrooms and an area of out of use grassland.
The facilities are needed to cater for new homes being built in the school’s catchment area. They will enhance the school’s function and enable the increased number of pupils to learn and play in a safe and open environment.
Construction Manager Steve Flavell said: “We have completed a number of projects for schools throughout Shropshire and are delighted to be awarded this major scheme which will enhance the school and meet the demand from local families.
“We are committed to deliver a cost-effective quality build on time and on budget. We are also mindful of the need to work around the school’s requirements when pupils and staff are present, to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. This is something we have extensive experience in from working with our sister company, Morris Care, on its nursing homes.”
The extension is being built to accommodate the school’s increased requirements of 150 extra pupil places – increasing the school’s roll to 420 for the main primary school and additional nursery places will be created. Up to 13 new full-time jobs will be created as a result of the extension.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Education, Employment and Lifelong Learning, said: “Telford is the fastest growth point in the West Midlands, which is great for businesses and jobs. We are constantly working to ensure that we met these demands, we consider changes in population and provide excellent educational facilities for new families.
“The demand for more school places in this area is all part of that and this project to significantly enhance and extend the facilities at Ladygrove Primary will mean the school will have facilities for an extra 150 pupils, which is great for the school and the area.”
Ladygrove Primary head teacher Jo Weichlbauer said: “This is a very exciting development for both the school and the community and we are looking forward to the work being completed and welcoming all our new pupils.
“The work is being carried out with the minimum of disruption and in sympathy to the peaceful locality the school is situated in and I would like to thank all our local residents for their patience and understanding while it is being completed.”
The Ladygrove project for Telford & Wrekin Council is one of several we have carried out for the Council. We have also built commercial units at Hortonwood West Industrial Estate and we will be starting the second phase of an expansion and refurbishment scheme at Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre in mid-August which will update the ski lodge.
