A vibrant sense of excitement filled the air as students, teachers, and community members gathered to celebrate the official opening of the new dance studio at Harpur Hill Primary School in Buxton, Derbyshire. The event marked a significant milestone for the school and the local community, showcasing the dedication to providing enhanced educational facilities for future generations.

The celebration began with a short assembly in the school hall, where the special guest, Kristian Cunningham, a renowned West End star and choreographer, performed for the children and special guests. Following the assembly, attendees went to the brand-new dance studio, where the official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place.

The moment was commemorated with a Re:Bound Dance Club performance, featuring talented students who showcased their hard work and creativity. Kristan Cunningham, joined the students, further inspiring the young performers.

Vicky Giliker, Headteacher at Harpur Hill Primary School, said: “The new dance studio and classrooms are a real asset to our school, improving the facilities for the children and wider community. It was wonderful to celebrate this on our official opening day.”

The £1.4m investment from Derbyshire County Council also included two individual classrooms, a group room, unisex and accessible toilets, and modern amenities.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for SEND and Education, Councillor Jack Bradley, said: “We are very happy to fund this innovative development project, and it’s exciting to see the design come to life. It’s clear how many benefits it will offer to students creatively and in their academic education.

“We’re committed to investing in creating the school places and positive educational environments that our children and young people need, where they need them, across Derbyshire. This development project is one of several we’re funding across the county at the moment, which shows our ambition to help create positive futures for every child in Derbyshire to ensure they achieve their full educational potential. We believe the right high-quality classrooms, learning and creative environments combined with high-quality teaching will help them do just that.”

This project represents more than just an expansion of facilities; it embodies the community’s commitment to creating inclusive and enriching environments for its children and wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative efforts of Derbyshire County Council, Concertus, and construction partner Stepnell.

Russell Short, Principal Architectural Designer at Concertus, said: “We are very proud to have worked alongside Derbyshire County Council in delivering this scheme for the benefit of the local community. A great deal of effort has been devoted to realising a building that meets the educational needs of the school whilst achieving a sustainable, energy-efficient design. We hope the scheme will have a positive contribution to the schools’ facilities and continue to do so for many years to come”.

Externally, the team introduced a covered canopy entrance on the east elevation that links to the staff parking area, connecting the new space with the existing modular teaching block.

Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Working closely alongside Derbyshire County Council and Concertus, this council-led construction scheme has been developed with the core aim to enhance learning environments, spurring growth in local communities and supporting all children to aim high and achieve.”

With the new facilities in place, the future for students at Harpur Hill Primary School is bright, and the community is eager to embrace the positive changes that lie ahead.

Photo credit: Beth Walsh.