Pupils leave lasting legacy as school extension reaches steelwork milestone
Youngsters at Kingswood Parks Primary School have made their mark on the steelwork of their new school extension, leaving a lasting legacy for years to come.
Children with the highest attendance were chosen to sign the steel and their names will forever grace the structure which will be a learning base for thousands of pupils.
Kingswood Parks Primary School is located on the Kingswood residential development in North Hull, educating more than 300 pupils aged three to 11.
Due to an increase in housing in the area, there is a need to expand capacity to 630 pupils.
Sewell Construction built the original school, which opened in 2014, and worked with partners Hull Esteem Consortium and Hull City Council to develop the design and construction programme for the school’s extension.
Full planning consent for the scheme was granted in June and the steel-signing event marks the construction milestone as the steelwork begins.
Councillor Phil Webster, Portfolio Holder for Learning, Skills and Safeguarding Children, said: “The site has changed significantly and it is exciting to see the expansion starting to take shape.
“I am delighted to be part of this key milestone and it is another step forward for this important project. The building looks great and I am looking forward to seeing the work progress to its completion.
“I’m pleased that the council is able to invest in this local school. As a result, it will double the intake from 315 to 630 places and allow the governors and staff to provide high quality education in a new and enhanced learning space, as well as offer a fantastic facility for the whole community to enjoy.”
Initial works ensured further temporary modular classrooms for the early years and two separate classrooms for Key Stage 2 pupils could be created in one area.
The scheme will also include some remodelling of the existing school, with all work completed by November 2018.
Helen Miller, Principal at the school, said: “This is a really exciting expansion of the school which is going to offer an enticing environment to work in.
“The children are quite excited because they like to see what’s going on and are looking forward to seeing how the school will look.
“We spent a lot of time thinking about the design and how we can make it an environment that will suit the children’s learning.
“It’s great to see steel on site and we’ll soon be able to see the building rising up.”
Foundations are being poured on site and the steel framework is about to be erected.
The project will also include creating new sports pitches, as well as external redecoration and landscaping.
Dave Major, Project Manager at Sewell Construction, said: “As Kingswood is growing in size, the school needs extending to double the capacity.
“We are particularly mindful that staff and pupils are still on site throughout the whole scheme, so we have restricted delivery times to ensure they do not coincide with school drop-off, pick-up and lunch times to create minimal disruption.
“We’ve also put new walkways and tarmac around the site to make access easier for parents collecting children.
“The school is in keeping with the local area and it will be three story instead of the previous two story building once it is completed.
“Work is progressing well and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with Hull City Council, Esteem, Sewell Facilities Management and the school on this project.”
Sewell Construction is building the extension on behalf of Hull City Council as part of £6 million funding secured from the Department for Education Need Capital Grant to be delivered through the Schools Capital Programme 2017/18.
Richard King, Chair of Esteem Consortium, said: “It is an honour for Esteem to continue to support the council in its mission to transform the education opportunities for the children and young people of Hull.
“This major extension at Kingswood Parks Primary School will ensure that the youngest children in such a growing community continue to have access to the first class educational facilities they deserve.”
Year five pupil Theo Draper, nine, said: “I’m excited for year six because then it will be done, we’ll have three floors and there will be more children to make friends with.
“I’m really excited.”
Sewell Facilities Management also provides peace of mind around the clock at the school, ensuring staff can concentrate on education and the day-to-day maintenance is taken care of.
The team continue to support the school in the design of the extension, advising on the best possible materials and finishes to suit the educational environment.