School expansion breaks ground

A ground-breaking ceremony has marked the start of site works for an expansion project at Beeston Hill St Luke’s C of E Primary School in Leeds.

During the ground-breaking ceremony, which was attended by representatives from Leeds City Council, the Leeds Local Education Partnership (LLEP), NPS Leeds, Henry Boot Construction Limited and Beeston Hill St Luke’s Primary School, a group of school children spoke to the construction team to learn about the works involved.

The project will provide Theand is expected to be completed in time for the start of the new academic year in September.

The scope of works includes the construction of a new, two-storey building comprising first floor classrooms and a SEN resource provision, as well as a hall and staff room on the ground floor. The construction team will also create a specialist arts space, behavioural support and remodel some areas of the existing school, including a new kitchen and courtyard.

Externally, an extension of the car park, including a dedicated SEN drop-off provision and electric vehicle charging points, will complete the planned scope of works.

Speaking on behalf of the school governors, Eric Whitehouse, said: “The governors, children and staff are very pleased and excited at the expansion of our school. Everyone involved in the project, from the planners to the builders, has been fantastic as they have listened to our ideas and, where possible, incorporated them into the design. The children have been particularly keen and eager to visit the site to share their ideas.

“The new building and the additional remodelling of the present site will transform our school and make it fit for the 21st century, and for that we are very grateful to Leeds City Council for funding this amazing new build. It will provide welcome additional places throughout school as well as establishing a much needed specialist resource for autistic children.”