Work begins on new Whiteley school
WORK on a new £12m school in Whiteley has started after having been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Hampshire County Council decided to build Cornerstone Church of England Primary School in Whiteley in response to the forecast need for more school places after a new housing development in the area.
The new £12.3m school, which is set to open in September 2021, is set to provide 630 places for children from Year R through to Year 6.
Executive member for education and skills, Councillor Roz Chadd, said: ‘I am very pleased to hear that work is starting to provide the relocated school. There is ongoing and extensive housing development in Whiteley and more families are moving into the area so it’s important that we ensure that the children in those families can go to school near to where they live.’
After being delayed from its original April 20 start date, work was finally able to begin after the government’s announcement that construction sites can reopen as long as public health advice is adhered to.
Cllr Chadd added: ‘By following the national guidance to maintain social distancing on-site, responsible measures can be put in place to allow construction to take place. The future for education in Hampshire continues to be positive.’
The building of the new school is being carried out by the construction group, Midas. Site operating hours will be from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am until 1pm on Saturdays. The company has said it ‘will do all it can’ to minimise any disruption and disturbance to local residents.