A NEW multi-million-pound school building in Poole is on track to welcome pupils and staff after the October half term.

The single two-storey facility at Hillbourne Primary is set to to replace the two existing old school buildings.

The £9million development for the Kitchener Crescent site from BCP Council is due to eventually include up to 100 new homes on the edge of the school grounds, however, this part of the project is still some way off.

Once complete, the new school building will include:

  • Fourteen classrooms, a practical room and learning resource centre
  • Administration block
  • School hall block
  • A pre-school with a dedicated play area
  • Two multi-use games areas and outdoor play areas
  • Purpose-built sports pitch
  • A secure staff car park

The building is also being developed to allow flexible use so young people in the community can use it for a range of activities.

Councillor Nicola Greene, BCP Council portfolio holder for schools, said: “It’s fantastic to see the new school taking shape and on track to welcome the staff and pupils in October.

Bournemouth Echo: Cllr Nicola GreeneCllr Nicola Greene

"I’m delighted that we have been able to develop a brand new fit-for purpose building for the Hillbourne community, that will benefit and support our young people to receive a high quality education and give them the best opportunities to grow and flourish.”

Morgan Sindall Construction, which is the lead contractor on site, recently completed the roofing along with the external walls

The external glass panels, sprinkler system installation and internal walls are ongoing. The external cladding, brickwork, mechanical and electrical works are all scheduled to be undertaken in the coming month.

Clifford Kinch, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the south, said: “Creating inspiring places for children to learn is at the heart of our purpose.

"Work is progressing well, and we’re delighted to be working in collaboration with BCP Council to deliver a brand new facility for the Hillbourne community.

"We’re extremely thankful to the local residents and the school for their patience whilst the works are delivered – as an associate member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, we’re committed to creating a positive partnership between us and the community.”

As reported, plans to replace the existing two teaching blocks with a single, more modern facility were first considered by Poole council in 2010 but scrapped when the funding was reallocated.

In 2018, the current £9 million scheme was first put forward with the inclusion of up to 100 homes being built on the edges of the school grounds to part-subsidise the project.

BCP Council submitted a planning application in 2019 and this was given unanimous backing by its planning committee in July last year.