Topping out ceremony for new classroom block for Saltford school

Topping out ceremony for new classroom block for Saltford school

Construction of a £1.8m classroom block at Saltford C of E Primary School has reached a significant milestone.

The six-room teaching block is to replace temporary buildings that are in a poor condition.  It will meet growing demand for school places in the area by providing more permanent classrooms at the popular 420-place school, which is part of the Wellsway Multi Academy Trust. The project is being funded and managed by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The new accommodation will be ready for use from September. A topping out ceremony will be held on Friday 24 March to mark the progress so far.  This symbolic event is based on an ancient Scandinavian tradition of placing a tree on top of the building to bring luck once the roof is completed and the building is technically watertight.

The building has been designed by BBA Architects of Bath. The main contractor H Mealing and Sons of Bath started work on site in October 2016.

Councillor Michael Evans (Conservative, Midsomer Norton, North) Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s good to see the work progressing on the expansion of this popular school and I know the staff are looking forward to using these new facilities.

“The Council is committed to providing good quality education and facilities across the district and we know demand for places is high. It’s important that pupils are taught in good quality buildings which offer modern facilities and we look forward to seeing the new classrooms inspire pupils from September.”

Dawn Elliott, the Headteacher at Saltford Church of England Primary School, has had significant input into the design and finish of the new teaching block.

As part of the project and in negotiation with Saltford Parish Council a new fenced sports pitch, which can be used by the community out of school hours, has been provided at the park next to the school.

The new school building and sports pitch are an asset to the school and the local community.

Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Alan Hale will be attending the topping out ceremony.

Wellsway MAT chief executive, Andrea Arlidge, said: “This is an exciting occasion for us all. The new classrooms are much needed and will further enhance the quality of the learning environment in this wonderful school.”

 

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