Warden begins work on major transformation project for Preston primary school

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.

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