Construction work starts on new primary academy for Thurston - Barnes Construction

Pupils and headteachers have taken part in a groundbreaking event to celebrate the start of construction at Thurston CEVC Primary Academy. Suffolk County Council is relocating the existing school to a larger site to accommodate the expansion of the school, increasing the number of permanent placements from 210 pupils to 420 pupils.

Barnes Construction has been awarded the contract to build the scheme and will be working alongside Concertus Design and Property Consultants, who will be providing multidisciplinary services including Project Management on behalf of the client, Suffolk County Council.

This expansion was driven by the anticipated housing developments in the area and will guarantee the continuity of school provision within the village as well as reduce further congestion in the area. The new school will be located on Norton Road, adjacent to the Linden Homes development and opposite the Hopkins housing development.

Cllr. Mary Evans, Cabinet Member for Education said “The school is an exciting development that will serve the existing and new community of over 800 houses within the area and play a key role in developing the community. The school will initially accommodate 420 students, plus a 30-place pre-school. There will also be room for future expansion to a total of 630 students at the school and 60 places in the pre-school if demand requires.

The project is expected to complete and hand over in preparation for the new academic year.

Photo: Philip Mackay – CEO of Thedwastre Education Trust, Ian Barber – Project Manager at Concertus, Grace a student from Thurston Primary School, Mark Bailey and Co-Headteachers John Bayes and Kathy Lambert.
Photo credit:   Warren Page Pagepix