A three-storey expansion has been completed at a Ernesford Grange secondary school and students are already reaping the benefits.
Midlands-based Deeley Construction, which is headquartered in Coventry, has completed an extension project at Ernesford Grange Community Academy, which is part of the Sidney Stringer Multi Academy Trust.
The £5.5 million project has resulted in 180 new places for potential students at the school, due to the new teaching spaces and classrooms created.
It features new classrooms, a theatre for community use, a gymnasium, performing arts classrooms and new post-16 study area.
Students at the school have already been using the new extension since returning from the summer holidays.
Biodiversity works associated with the development have also seen the creation of a new habitats for wildlife on the school site and surrounding fields.
Work has been funded by Coventry City Council and is part of an investment into the Sidney Stringer Multi Academy Trust, which also includes the adjoining SEN school, Riverbank Academy.
The completion of works on the three-storey expansion concludes the second phase of Deeley Construction’s work, having already completed a state-of-the-art new teaching block for Riverbank Academy.
The first phase at Riverbank Academy saw three new classrooms created, three bespoke outdoor soft play areas, internal soft play areas, two hygiene suites and a purpose-built fitness suite.
Claire Turpin, CEO of Sidney String Multi Academy Trust, said: “The Trust is really appreciative of the investment from Coventry City Council, to the pupils and community of this area, as it gives us more opportunity to continue the significant improvements that we have achieved at Ernesford Grange, since it has joined the Trust.”
Deeley Group delivered significant 17% social value during the two phases over project, which is equal to putting £1.5 million into the Coventry economy.
Work in the community ranged from sponsoring the school football team, donating to St. John the Divine Church in Willenhall and providing work experience opportunities for students across the two phases of the project.
Martin Gallagher, managing director of Deeley Construction, said: “We’re proud to have completed the second phase of this project and delivered another educational facility for the multi academy trust.
“The two-phase project has completely transformed the school site, from teaching facilities and fitness areas, to new car parks and access roads.
“The new extension to Ernesford Grange Community Academy has helped to create valuable school places for the local area. The students can take great pride in the new facilities and we hope they will give them the perfect foundations for their future education.”
Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council, said: “The completion of the expansion is impressive and is great for the pupils, community and for teaching staff.
“I’m especially delighted about the increase in school places this creates. I’d like to thank Deeley Construction for their hard work. I know, speaking to staff and children from Sidney Stringer Multi-Academy Trust and Ernesford Grange Community Academy, how pleased they are with the building, and for the benefits it will bring to education in the local area.
“I’d also like thank Deeley for their additional support to community projects too.”
PICTURE CAPTION: Martin Gallagher (Deeley Construction), Gabby Ratajczyk, Kaninaja Kandiah, Claire Turpin (Sidney Stringer MAT), Tyrelle Kelly, Denise Burrows (Ernesford Grange headteacher), Cllr David Welsh, Ronnie Wheatley, Steve Turner (Deeley construction) and Demetrius Atkilsol.