An event marking the completion of the construction of a new sports hall and multi-use games area (MUGA) at Edward Peake School in Biggleswade, which will provide enhanced physical education opportunities for students, has taken place.

Head Teacher Zoë Linington, Cllr Gareth Mackey, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, were joined by fellow councillors, members of the delivery team, plus invited guests at a ribbon cutting event.

Zoë Linington, Headteacher at Edward Peake School, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see this part of the project completed and already making a positive impact on our students. The new facilities are exceptional and will greatly enhance both our curriculum and extracurricular provision. I would also like to thank Barnes Construction for their hard work and professionalism throughout the build, ensuring the project was delivered with minimal disruption to the school community.”

Delivered by Barnes Construction, in conjunction with Hoggarth Cooke Knight as Project Manager and Concertus as technical advisors, the new sports hall provides modern, high-quality facilities, including space for three badminton courts, a full basketball court and cricket nets. An upper-level studio space offers flexibility for activities such as dance, aerobics and yoga.

In addition, the new MUGA, which opened last year, includes a full-size, floodlit football pitch, significantly expanding outdoor sporting opportunities for students and the wider community.

Cllr Gareth Mackey, Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “We are committed to ensuring that our schools have the facilities they need to support both academic achievement and student wellbeing. This fantastic new sports hall is a vital part of our investment in the Three to Two Tier Programme, within which Edward Peake School has successfully transitioned to a secondary setting. It will not only enhance day-to-day learning but also provide opportunities for pupils to take part in a wide range of physical activities, supporting healthier, more active lifestyles.”

With students already using the facility, the development forms part of Central Bedfordshire Council’s continued investment in the school infrastructure in the Biggleswade area and plays a key role in the wider plans to move to a primary and secondary education system, supporting Edward Peake School’s transition from a middle school to a secondary school in 2024.