Preparatory works begin to build two Humber district schools
Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has started work on sites near Grimsby, to build two new schools which will open in September 2025.
The primary schools, which are being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Department for Education and through Section 106 contributions, will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust (LGAT).
The projects, based on Matthew Telford Park in Scartho, and on land off Sunningdale in Waltham, received planning approval at the start of the year.
Hobson & Porter is on-site preparing the ground for the initial phase of the works.
Joe Booth from Hobson & Porter said: “We have a long and successful track record in the education sector, across both Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, but it’s still always an exciting moment to start work on new-build school projects, which will inevitably become valuable assets within their respective communities.”
Speaking shortly after the firm was confirmed as the winning contractor, council leader, Councillor Philip Jackson, said: “It’s great to see this project now progressing, with a building contractor appointed and getting on site. Over the coming months we’ll start to see things happening on site and that’s fantastic.
“These two schools will provide some much-needed additional education provision for children in our area.”
LGAT chief executive officer, Martin Brown, said: “We’re pleased to see contractors on site and the project progressing.
“We’re excited about opening the two academies and look forward to meeting prospective parents and carers at the meetings in Scartho and Waltham.
“They’ll be able to choose either school when the local authority opens its admissions process later this autumn.”
Stephanie Ledgerwood, from Equans, whose Architectural Team designed both schools and will act as contract administrator throughout the construction, added: “Work starting on site is an exciting step forward for the project and we are looking forward to seeing the designs come to life as works unfold.
“The benefits these schools will have on our community are endless and we are so glad to be a part of it.”
Both schools will have 210-pupil places, including specialist provision for 12 students with special educational needs and disabilities.
The project is being delivered by Equans, working with North East Lincolnshire Council.