Preston primary school enters 'exciting new chapter' as extension completed for extra pupils

Work to expand a primary school in suburban Preston has been completed – and the headteacher hopes the new facilities will “inspire” her pupils.

Lancashire County Council drew up plans to double student numbers at Cottam Primary School three years ago.

The phased rise – generated by admitting 60 pupils to reception each year instead of 30 – had already got under way, utilising space in the existing building.

However, the new accommodation at the Haydocks Lane site – required for what will ultimately be 420 pupils, compared to the previous 210 – is now finished.

The project included the construction of a two-classroom nursery building, a new multi-use games area and the refurbishment of the courtyard area to improve the environment for learning and play. A fully-electric kitchen and a new staff parking area have also been created.

Headteacher Kellie Rainford told the Lancashire Post she was “delighted that we will be enhancing our capacity in continuing to provide quality education to meet the growing needs of our pupils and our local community”.

“We are confident that this will continue to inspire our pupils to excel both personally and academically.

“I extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project, from the design team and builders to our dedicated staff and supportive families. Together, we have created a vibrant setting where future generations of our local community will thrive.

“We are excited about the new possibilities these new facilities afford us – and we look forward to our next exciting new chapter at Cottam Primary School,” Mrs. Rainford said.

The additional places were needed to accommodate rising pupil numbers in the area due to new housing and an increase in the birth rate.

County Cllr Matthew Salter, cabinet member for education and skills at Lancashire County Council, said the new facilities “will benefit pupils, staff and the community”.

He added: “These improvements will increase access to high quality early years provision for the local community, and are part of our continued investment in education, ensuring schools are fully equipped to meet the needs of children and young people.”

The £3.6m contract for the three-phase project was awarded to Krol Corlett Construction. The work also included a complete power upgrade to the school.

The firm’s contract manager, Craig Ward, said particular care had to be taken on the project because of the nature of the site.

“We had to be very mindful of the health and safety considerations of a live site full of energetic children.

“We collaborated closely with the school’s senior management team and became part of the school family whilst on site. It was an absolute pleasure to work there.

“We were delighted to be able to continue our relationship with Lancashire County Council, particularly on such a complex build site like this,” Mr. Ward added.

The county council acted as architect, project manager and construction safety co-ordinator for the works.

The authority’s capital programme officer, Gareth Millar, said: “This scheme reflects the council’s ongoing focus on applying its skills and resources to asset management.

“Using the council’s framework, the project has been delivered in line with our processes to support efficient use of public funds.

The refurbished kitchens replace the former gas-fired operation as part of the county council’s wider investment in the de-carbonisation of its estate. Works included a new mechanical and electrical infrastructure to support the all-electric installation and the provision of a new electricity supply to the school.