Construction starts on new primary and nursery school in Basildon

Construction is underway on a new 476-place nursey and primary school in Basildon which will serve the Westley Green Development to the south of the town.

On Tuesday 31st October, local county and district councillors, members of the project team and representatives from the Lee Chapel Multi Academy Trust, visited the site and took part in a ceremony marking this milestone phase in the project.

Barnes Construction has been awarded the £10.5 million contract by Essex County Council, to build the new Chapel Hill Primary and Nursery School, which will provide places for 420 primary school and 56 early years children and be run by the Lee Chapel Multi Academy Trust.

Barnes is working with its appointed designer, Concertus, to deliver the new school as a combined two-storey building, with a main hall that divides the nursery and primary provision, 16 classbases and a library. Outside there will be a new multi-use games area (MUGA) and two grass football pitches. The school has also been designed as NetZero in operation. The building is electrically powered and includes air source heat pumps, variable temperature heating systems, energy efficient LED lighting and natural ventilation units with heat recovery , along with PV panels on the roof. The building fabric comprises SIPs panels, with U-values enhanced beyond building regulations requirements.

Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “Basildon is a growing town, and we know new infrastructure is needed to meet the needs of its growing community. This significant investment in state-of-the-art school facilities for the Westley Green Development shows our commitment to ensuring every child in Essex has access to a high-quality education.

“Its buildings will be constructed to advanced Net Zero in operation standards, helping reduce their environmental impact whilst also playing a part in reducing the school’s energy bills. It is excellent to see work get underway on site in advance of the proposed opening date of autumn next year.”

Sue Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust, said: “Chapel Hill Primary is a perfect fit for our ambitions and capacity to grow the number of ‘Outstanding’ Basildon Primary schools under the already successful Lee Chapel umbrella.

“We will deliver on our promises and have pledged to work in close partnership with the local community and all stakeholders. Our excellent staff across Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust are planning for Chapel Hill to benefit from their expertise and talents, ensuring that all who attend will flourish from day one.

“As a Basildon girl myself it was a real honour and privilege for me to be on-site carrying out the ground-breaking duties on behalf of the Trust. Chapel Hill Primary and Nursery will undoubtedly be the educational jewel in Basildon’s crown and its pupils will be outstanding ambassadors for their new school.”

Pick Everard has been appointed as Essex County Council’s project manager for the new school, which is due to be completed ready for the new academic year in Autumn 2024.