Hornchurch school’s redevelopment plans given green light by council
An artist's impression of the new building for Suttons Primary School. The school's redevelopment plans were approved by Havering Council's regulatory services committee. Picture: Suttons Primary School - Credit: Archant
Youngsters and teachers are looking forward to embarking upon a new chapter after their school’s redevelopment plan was approved.
Suttons Primary School is set to construct new buildings on its playing field, with a phased demolition of its old structures following.
The proposals, which will see a new field created, were agreed by Havering Council’s regulatory services committee last week.
Headteacher David Unwin-Bailey, 45, said: “The children are buzzing. The school was only built to last 25 years and over the years we have had to keep maintaining it.
“This is amazing and something the school desperately needs.”
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The redevelopment plans for the school, in Suttons Lane, Hornchurch, came about after the council bid for funding under the Priority Schools Building Programme.
The school will now be able to expand its pupil numbers from 224 to a maximum of 450, as well as embrace new technology.
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Its current timber-framed building was completed in the 1960s.
Mr Unwin-Bailey, who has worked at Suttons for six years, two as deputy headteacher, said: “We have had to upgrade the systems over the years, this is more moving into the state of the art.
“We will have larger classrooms, which will be fantastic for getting creative.”
Suttons has just opened its own nursery after six years of campaigning for on-site provision.
The new building will house 26 full-time equivalent youngsters.
Mr Unwin-Bailey said: “We have always wanted to open a nursery and I am pleased to see both projects finally come to fruition.
“We are all very excited.”
Cllr Meg Davis, Havering Council’s cabinet member for children and learning, said: “I’m so pleased that planning permission has been given for the project.
“As well as having more modern and improved facilities for pupils, the new building will also help us to provide more school places for local children.
“The project will be fully funded by the Education Funding Agency and we are delighted we were able to secure funding for this great boost to the local community.”
Work will begin in October, with Suttons hoping to have the new facilities ready to open in time for the start of the next academic year.
