We are thrilled to announce the development of a new early years building at Melton Primary School in Woodbridge.

The new state-of-the-art nursery, made possible by CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) funding from East Suffolk District Council, will accommodate 30 children and provide a nurturing environment that expands the school’s current offerings.

Cllr Mark Packard, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management, said: “CIL redistributes contributions from housing developers to upgrade and improve nearby community facilities, including medical centres, libraries and schools. Melton Primary School has an exceptional head in Caroline Richardson, and the school and its staff will benefit from the expanded area. The funding for the school will create more early years opportunities for local families, and I look forward to seeing this project take shape.”

This purpose-built structure, using buff brick materials to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, mirrors the existing school’s single-storey scale and contemporary design. A thoughtfully designed canopied area will lead to an engaging play space alongside large windows that offer beautiful views of the street-edge trees, bringing nature into playtime.

Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, said: “We are very pleased to be able to deliver 30 early years places at Melton Primary School. These additional places will ensure young children living in the area have access to good quality early education in a purpose-built environment. This not only supports the children’s development but also enables parents to access funded childcare.”

Following planning permission granted in June, local contractor Seamans Building has now been appointed to deliver the project alongside Concertus.

Charles Coulson, Associate Director at Concertus, said: “We are dedicated to creating a nurturing and engaging environment for the youngest learners in our community. By collaborating with Seamans Building and Suffolk County Council, we aim to bring this vision to life and improve early years provision in Woodbridge. We look forward to the positive impact this facility will have on local families and the school community.”

This new facility supports the growing number of nursery-aged children and strengthens the relationship between the current school community and its youngest members. The design also includes quiet spaces, dedicated pupil toilets, and a staff workspace, ensuring the building’s functionality.

Mark Reason, Pre-Construction Director at Seamans, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver the new early years facility at Melton Primary School. We can already see the positive influence the school has on the local community and the wonderful work that has gone into providing the children with such a great blend of indoor and outdoor learning spaces. It is testament to the dedication of everyone associated with the school. Seamans are excited to be collaborating with Concertus and Suffolk County Council to further enhance the school for more children to enjoy.”

The start of works on site is due to begin in Autumn 2025. We look forward to working with Suffolk County Council and sharing the project’s progress in the coming months.