Groundbreaking £1.5m school expansion begins to support new housing

Construction works start today on the expansion of Bramford CEVC (Church of England Voluntary Controlled) Primary School. This is due to the school being at full capacity. Suffolk County Council’s aim is to increase the number of permanent placements from 210 pupils to 315 pupils.

The project was awarded to local contractor Brooks and Wood Ltd and was driven by the anticipated housing developments in the area. The development will support the increase of population within the school’s catchment area and the expansion of the school will allow for an upsurge in admissions, resulting in a greater number of pupils receiving their chosen school preference; Bramford CEVC Primary School.

Councillor John Field, who attended the celebration at the school said: “I am really pleased to see the start of this project on site. It is great to recognise the local growing community and the expansion of Bramford Primary School is a welcome addition to Bramford Village.”

Emma Burgess, Executive Headteacher at Bramford Primary School, said: “This is a very exciting time for our school, and we are very much looking forward to seeing our school community grow. The new building, along with the improvements to the existing space inside our Key Stage One block, will further enhance and improve our learning environment for all our pupils.”

Major extension work was carried out at the school in 2010 which provided the Primary school with a new dining hall and kitchen facility. In addition to the new standalone block, this project will increase parking facilities, as well provide internal remodelling of the existing Early Years building.

With a construction value of £1.5m, David Garrard, Associate at Concertus Design and Property Consultants Ltd said: “The four-classroom standalone block will provide pupils with energy-efficient classrooms with excellent natural light and ventilation. This will be a fantastic educational facility which will enhance the existing school accommodation.”

Stuart Boardley, Director at Brooks and Wood Ltd, said “We are looking forward to delivering another successful project working alongside Concertus, Suffolk County Council and of course Emma Burgess and her team at Bramford Primary School. The expansion will provide further fantastic facilities for the next generation of young people to excel and we, as a local business, are proud to be able to support that growth and development.”

The project, designed by Concertus Design and Property Consultants Ltd, is expected to complete and hand over by Summer 2020 in preparation for the new academic year.