E G Carter & Co Ltd were appointed as the main contractor through the Gloucestershire County Council Framework for the project, with works starting in early November. Thomas Jones, Associate Director at E G Carter & Co Ltd said “We are delighted to have received planning approval for the scheme at Warden Hill Primary School. Not only is this great for the community but it’s also a significant milestone in what has been a long journey. Construction is due to start early November with site set up and the commencement of phase one which involves the construction of the main school. We are looking forward to seeing the difference the school will make to Gloucestershire”
The two-form entry school will remain at its current size, offering 420 places, providing pupils with better facilities for teaching and learning. Warden Hill Primary is rated as an ‘outstanding’ school by Ofsted, however, the existing buildings are in need of extensive refurbishment. Detailed investigations into the existing site and buildings showed it would be a more efficient use of resources to replace the existing infant and junior buildings with a brand new energy efficient one.
Cllr Philip Robinson, cabinet member for economy, education and skills for Gloucestershire County Council, said: “A new school building at Warden Hill Primary will provide the excellent learning environment that pupils in our county deserve. The investment into the new school building is part of the council’s £100 million project to give every child a high-quality of education in order to reach their full potential.”
The work will provide the school with a sustainable building, in line with the council’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Should the school need to be expanded in the future, the design will allow for this to happen in a more efficient way.
The scheme will also improve the vehicle and pedestrian access to the site, providing additional parking and bike and scooter shelters for pupils and staff.
The new school building is due to be completed in the autumn of 2022.