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Ref: 415-08                                18^th December 2008

Building Work Begins On A New Primary School In Saughall, Chester

Cheshire County Council Chairman Steve Wilkinson has cut the first sod to officially mark the start of building a new £5.5 million school in the village of Saughall near Chester.

Saughall All Saints’ Church of England Primary School is expected to open its doors in autumn 2009 and will be a school fit for the 21^st century. The scheme was identified as part of the Transforming Learning Communities (TLC) Review which was the County Council’s response to the ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda.

Containing 10 classrooms sited to make the best of natural light, the building will also have a large hall, library, group rooms, practical areas, a home economics area, dedicated secure outdoor play areas for foundation pupils, infants and juniors, a wildlife area, football pitches, running track and an outdoor classroom.

The design of the school and the development of the site will incorporate a high degree of sustainability. This will include a biomass boiler, solar water heating and a controlled ventilation system together with ecological enhancements to the site.

The new primary school building will replace Saughall The Ridings Community Infant School and Saughall The Thomas Wedge Church of England Junior School and will be located on The Thomas Wedge site.

There has been continuous input into the design of the school by members of the Project Team which includes both the Infant and Junior School Head teachers, two members of the shadow Governing Body for the new school, main contractor Wilmott Dixon, architects Lovelock Mitchell and Property Management Services and Children’s Services from Cheshire County Council. Consultation has also taken place with pupils, staff, parents and local residents.

County Council Chairman Steve Wilkinson said:

“This building will provide ‘state of the art’ accommodation for 280 pupils."

“The design of the school has been submitted to the Building Research Establishment to be judged on its merits to meet their strict criteria on sustainability."

“At present it is hoped to achieve an ‘excellent score’ and aims to be the first school in the country to achieve such recognition."

“So many things have been taken into consideration with the design including the school hall and main entrance located at the front of the building so that it could be used for community use outside the normal school day."

“The playing fields and pitches could also be used by local groups with prior agreement with the School Governors.”

Part of the development will also include a pedestrian crossing on Church Road to improve safety.

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PHOTO CAPTION: County Council Chairman Steve Wilkinson is helped by children from The Ridings Community Infant School and Saughall The Thomas Wedge Church of England Junior School as he officially marks the start of building work for the new school.

B: An artist’s impression of the new school

NOTE TO EDITORS: For More Information Please Contact County Councillor Wilkinson On 01565 734195 And Elaine Lee From Children’s Services On 01244 976793.