Constructor appointed for £1.9m school project

A £1.9m extension and refurbishment contract at a Warrington primary school has gone to a south Manchester building company.

Bardsley Construction, based in Dukinfield, has been selected by Warrington Council to carry out the scheme at St Philip Church of England Primary School in Westbrook.

It involves the construction of two single-storey extensionsto provide additional teaching space, a new school hall and studio work area and  a new school kitchen and catering facilities.

Bardsley will also refurbish and remodel existing buildings spanning 30,000sq ft to deliver enhanced teaching space and associated facilities and greater floor space via the infilling of internal courtyards.
 
External elements of the scheme at the school, which has 415 pupils aged four to 11, involve an extension of the playground areas and replacing grass playing fields.
 
Work begins soon with completion due in April 2016 following a succession of phased handovers to the school.
 
Ged Rooney, procurement director at Bardsley, said: “Our experience over many years in the provision of new and refurbished facilities for schools throughout the North West and West Yorkshire will be truly invaluable as we manage and progress this project with the school in full occupation.
 
“The winning of this contract is further evidence of Bardsley continuing to benefit from its hard-earned reputation for working effectively with the public sector via partnerships with education bodies, local authorities, housing associations and health authorities.”
 
Cllr Jean Carter, executive board member for children and young people’s services for Warrington Council said: “This extension is part of plans to create additional school places in West Warrington, and there will be an extra 30 places per year, so 210 additional places in total across the school at St Philip Primary.
 
“It’s great news for the school and local community that they will be getting additional space and brand new facilities including a new infant hall and kitchen. Plans also include an extension of the playground which I’m sure the children will love.”
 
Architects for the scheme at St Philip Primary School are Cassidy and Ashton of Preston with programme management and construction consultants Turner & Townsend acting for Warrington Borough Council.