SOD CUTTING MARKS THE START OF NEW £4M INFANTS SCHOOL IN TEWKESBURY
Gloucestershire County Council will provide a replacement building for the existing school on land next to the current site in Virginia Road.
The building was constructed in the late 1950s and Gloucestershire County Council decided it would be cheaper to build a new school rather than upgrade the existing one in order to meet modern standards.
After planning permission was granted by Shire Hall, a brand new building with six classrooms, a nursery and a play area for outdoor learning will be created.
Above: Andy Metcalfe talks through the building works following the sod cutting event
The council estimates the project will be completed by September 2016, when staff and children will move into their new home and the old school will be demolished.
Headteacher Lynne Williams said: "We're absolutely delighted and very excited that the school will continue with the same ethos in a brand new building."
The sod cutting, which took place on Wednesday 10th June, was be led by Caroline Flippance, the school's administration officer who will retire later this year after 25 years' service.
She was joined by the youngest pupil from the school, county councillor Vernon Smith and Andy Metcalfe (joint managing director), Dave Price (contract manager) and Steve Yapp (project manager) from Speller Metcalfe.
Councillor Paul McLain, its cabinet member for children and young people, said: "This is fantastic news for both parents and pupils of Northway Infant School, who will both benefit from the latest facilities.
"It will be a really exciting start to the 2016 academic year. We're looking forward to seeing the building up and running. It's a great design and will be a real jewel in the Northway crown."
Councillor Smith said: "I am very pleased to have worked with Councillor McLain to make this project a reality. The new building is going to be great for the area and will open up many opportunities for pupils, teachers and the whole community. I will be pleased to see the school when the project is completed."
Andy Metcalfe, joint managing director of Speller Metcalfe, said: "We are delighted to be working alongside Gloucestershire County Council and the project team for Northway Infant School.
"As a local contractor, we know first-hand how beneficial these facilities will be for the school and parents and pupils from the local area and we are delighted to be a part of such an important scheme."