Contractor Henry Brothers has handed over the new £13.2m Alfreton Park School.
The new school will provide a modern, larger, purpose-built facility for pupils with special needs and was funded by Derbyshire County Council.
This is the second project that Henry Brothers has delivered for Alfreton Park School – the company previously delivered a hydrotherapy pool, which opened in early 2017 – and the latest in a number of schemes that the company has worked on for Derbyshire County Council.
Henry Brothers Midlands Managing Director, Ian Taylor, said: “We are very pleased to have handed over this first-class facility, which will replace out-dated and unsuitable teaching facilities at the school’s existing site.
“During the construction phase we have built up a good relationship with the school and its pupils, and were very pleased to organise insights into work experience, with brick-laying and plastering demonstrations, interesting events for the youngsters to enjoy, and to contribute to the £250,000 appeal to create a café and shop at the new school.
“We hope that the students and staff will be very happy in their lovely new school. It’s been a pleasure to have been a part of this project.”
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “It is very exciting to see the school open its doors to pupils. The Council is committed to ensuring children in Derbyshire have access to a high-quality education and these excellent new facilities and equipment will provide a fantastic learning environment.
“The project is a result of significant investment from the Council and it’s a facility that will really benefit students, parents, staff and the local community.”
The new single-storey building has been constructed on a site adjacent to Alfreton Park, known as Highfield Plantation. The old school will be demolished once the new site is up and running.
Acting head teacher at Alfreton Park School, Josie O’Donnell, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with our brand-new facilities! Our pupils have waited so long for the school they truly need, and teaching staff will finally be able to deliver the high-quality education our pupils deserve, meeting their communication, cognitive, social, emotional, physical and sensory needs in a suitable environment.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better company than Henry Brothers and everyone at Alfreton Park, Henry Brothers and associated companies have worked tirelessly to make this happen. Thanks especially to Rob Mason, David Eskriett and Neil Sleigh from Henry Brothers. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!”
The new school will expand the teaching and other facilities available at Alfreton Park School. Featuring 12 classrooms, six group rooms, including specialist therapy rooms and soft play areas, and a combined hall and dining area, it will have space for up to 120 students.
The Henry Brothers team that built the new facility included Maber architects and structural engineer HWA. Faithful + Gould carried out project management and quantity surveying roles for the client.
