Construction has started on a £2.3m project that will create new teaching spaces and improve facilities at a popular Preston primary school.

The project at Lea Community Primary School will deliver four new classrooms within a new school building and see the refurbishment of the library and staff room within the main school building.

The project, which will enable the school to double pupil numbers to over 400 in the coming years, is being delivered by Warden on behalf of ourlongstanding client Lancashire County Council through its renewed Construction Partnering Framework.

The new classrooms are due for completion in March 2025. A number of other improvements at the school, including new data and Wi-Fi connectivity and a new car park to alleviate congestion in nearby residential areas, have already been completed by Warden over the summer.

Geoff Noblett, framework manager at Warden Construction, said: “This project will further improve the school experience for both pupils and staff, as well as providing more desperately-needed school places for the local community. We’re looking forward to seeing it take shape and witnessing the positive impact it will have on the school and local area.

“We’re also proud of the other social value outcomes of this project which includes a 100% local supply chain and the employment of five apprentices on the scheme across bricklaying, joinery, plastering and painting.”

Sophie Inman, school business manager at Lea Community Primary School, added: “The new classrooms and improved school spaces are going to make a huge difference for our pupils, as well as allowing us to gradually increase the school intake in the coming years.

“It means we can provide a great start in life for even more children, by delivering our learning in a great environment.”

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council, said: “The new school spaces and classrooms at Lea Community Primary School will improve facilities for pupils and staff.

“This will have a very positive impact on the school and on the community, by enabling pupils to experience learning in improved facilities, and cater for increased demand in the area.

“We are delighted that we are able to improve education for more children across Lancashire in this way, both now and in the future.”

The scheme has been designed and engineered by Lancashire County Council’s in-house team. SWF Consulting provided drainage design services.

Photo: Google Maps

Staff from Warden have raised £6,700 for children from disadvantaged communities by taking part in the gruelling Tough Mudder challenge.

A team of 20 from Warden took part in the event which sees competitors supporting each other to complete an exhausting 10k obstacle course in Heaton Park.

The team raised the money for our 2024 Manchester charity of the year Wood Street Mission, which supports struggling families in Manchester and Salford.

The funds raised by Warden will go towards Wood Street Mission’s Smart Start campaign which provides children from struggling families with the right school uniform, ensuring children feel confident and comfortable and can achieve their full potential.

Ian Williams, our managing director and one of our 20 participants, said: “We found out about the amazing support offered by Wood Street Mission during our work on the installation of the Manchester Christmas Markets.

“We decided to make it our Manchester charity of the year for 2024 and we’ve done a number of things to support them, but this was by far the toughest. We’ve been blown away by the generous support from our friends, colleagues and customers and would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who donated and got involved in our fundraising activity throughout the year.”

Des Lynch, chief executive at Wood Street Mission, added: “Warden’s team have done an incredible job raising money that will make a life-changing difference to many families living in poverty.

“It was great to visit the team earlier in the year and see the amazing work they have been doing to drive donations; we thank them for their ongoing support.”

As well as the Tough Mudder challenge, our staff have taken part in a variety of activities to support Wood Street Mission, including a Christmas jumper fundraiser, book sale donations, and support for the Wood Street Mission Christmas Appeal.

We have also supported a number of other charities and good causes through our commitment to building social value.

If you’d like donate to our Tough Mudder fundraising for Wood Street Mission visit our JustGiving page.