Representatives from Essex County Council, the academy trust and the construction team have taken part in a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate work starting on a new primary school in Stanway.
Barnes Construction has been commissioned by Essex County Council to build the two-storey school, situated at Wagtail Mews on the Lakelands development southwest of Colchester.
When completed in Autumn next year, the Lakelands Primary School will be sponsored by the Chelmsford Learning Partnership Trust and provide 420-places to local children aged between four and eleven.
Concertus Design and Property Consultants are the lead designers for the scheme which will include an all-weather playing pitch, outdoor hard and soft play areas, staff parking and supporting infrastructure including parking scooters and cycles.
Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “The increase in housing in this area has meant that it is vital to ensure the correct school infrastructure is in place to meet the increased demand for school places.
“The new school marks our commitment to planning for the future and helping to increase the choice for local families. Congratulations to everyone on this exciting day and I look forward to seeing the finished result next year.”
Essex County Council is responsible for ensuring there are sufficient school places across the county and the new school is part of its ten-year plan to deliver more places up to 2028.