Bleak Hill Primary School extension gets under way

Work has begun on a £2.5m extension of Bleak Hill Primary School in Windle, St Helens.

Taking place over two phases, the extension will allow 90 pupils from the local area to enrol at the school per year, up from the current 60.

The first phase of the work will address capacity issues within the school hall, particularly at lunch times.

Contractor Seddon has commenced with stage one, which is estimated to take 30 weeks to complete.

This initial work will create an extension to the school hall, which can be converted into an extra multi-function classroom. The space will also be used for a breakfast and after school club.

Enabling works on the extension are being completed during school holidays to ensure there is no disruption for students and staff.

John Shannon, regional director at Seddon, said “This extension will allow more children from the local area to benefit from a high quality learning environment and recreational space where they can thrive.

“The education experience should be enjoyable for all and these improved facilities will help to play a key role in the development of the community’s young people.”

Ian Wellens, head teacher, said: “Increasing demand for school places means we have accepted many more pupils from the local community in recent years.

“This extension will allow us to continue providing all pupils with an exceptional standard of education as we continue to grow.”

Phase two of the project is due to start in the first quarter of 2020. This will involve another extension to the school, providing four additional classrooms and 15 car park drop-off spaces for parents.

The contract for the scheme was awarded to Seddon via the procurement framework, LHC.