Newark’s Christ Church Primary School, Middlebeck, starts to take shape
Work on the new home of Newark’s Christ Church Primary School is progressing at pace at the growing neighbourhood of Middlebeck.
The main steel structures of the facility are now in place thanks to construction forging ahead through 2020.
Work began on designs for the building in 2017 and, once the first phase is complete, it will feature seven classrooms, a library, main and small hall, commercial catering kitchen, respective administrative functions, and outdoor facilities.
The building will have striking features with ample floor to ceiling height and a roof design that will stand out as a key feature of the development.
It has also been designed to allow for future expansion of up to a 2½ form entry primary school, with a further 11 classrooms due to be constructed on the eastern wing to enclose the courtyard.
Led by leading construction firm Lindum Group, the project is a joint partnership between Middlebeck’s master developer Urban&Civic and the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.
The organisations hope the delivery of the new facility, which will see Christ Church Infants’ School expand into a full primary school, support Nottinghamshire County Council by providing much-needed school places throughout the area.
Once complete, it will offer a total of 525 spaces for pupils at the growing community and will be the latest piece of infrastructure delivered at the neighbourhood.
It is due to welcome its first intake of reception pupils this September.
The move of pupils from Newark’s current Christ Church Infants’ School to the new facility will be implemented gradually, with existing pupils relocated to Middlebeck in stages.
AERIAL views of the new primary school that is being built for the Middlebeck community. (44008841)
Mike van den Berg, senior development manager for Urban&Civic at Middlebeck, said: “The installation of the steel structures on site is a significant milestone for the construction of the school and for the community at Middlebeck.
“The fantastic new facility will provide a safe and secure environment for its pupils to flourish, set in the stunning setting of the growing neighbourhood.
“Already home to a popular café, Gannets Middlebeck, and extensive outdoor spaces, this latest piece of infrastructure is the next key amenity to be delivered on-site.
“Importantly, it will provide much-needed school places throughout the district and will offer residents educational facilities on their doorstep, so the school run will never be more than a short stroll away.
“As well as constructing high quality buildings, we are committed to playing an active role in supporting the future of our schools long after the facility has been built. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham to deliver an outstanding, inclusive education for our pupils.
“We look forward to working closely with Notting-hamshire County Council, the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, Lindum Group and Christ Church Infant School to deliver this significant project.”
Christ Church Primary School site manager, Andy Foster, of Lindum Group, said: “We have completed two-thirds of the concrete pour for the floors. This will then allow for construction of the external walls to commence, which will pave the way for brickwork, windows and cladding in the near future.”
