A cold and draughty post-war teaching block has been demolished and in its place is a bright, airy and modern four-classroom annexe is now providing first-class teaching space at Richard Wakefield Primary School in the village of Tutbury.
Fords of Blythe Bridge was appointed principal contractor for the design and build project, whose ambitious construction combines design elements from Tutbury’s historical centre and famous castle, along with modern design features including full height windows and high level clerestory fenestration to provide a light and bright learning environment.
The timber-framed design and high level of thermal performance and energy efficiency of the new build provides a warm and welcome change to the draughty old classrooms previously used, and will help to lower energy costs at the school.
Fords of Blythe Bridge also carried out extensive external works including a new tar-paved playground, new car parking facilities for staff and visitors and a new soft-play area for younger pupils, along with colourful bow topped fencing.
During the project, Fords of Blythe Bridge was also proud to help out the local community, providing free top soil to local gardeners, giving a talk and demonstration to pupils on diggers as part of the school’s topic of construction, and assisting at the school’s annual Wakestock festival!