30 September 2024
‘Amazing’ £23m new school completed for the start of term
Pupils are enjoying state-of-the-art facilities at the new Hawthorns Primary School in Mottram after it opened its doors for the start of the school year earlier this month.
The £23m development was commissioned by Tameside Council and built by Robertson Construction North West. Managed by New Bridge Multi Academy Trust, it provides 246 places for children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).
Feedback from pupils and parents has included: “The new school is amazing”, “The layout is perfect to meet the children's needs” and “The staff have done amazingly to get it all done and set up in the time they have.”
Hawthorns School was originally designed to accommodate 60 pupils at its previous site, co- located with Aldwyn Primary School, Audenshaw, and the outstanding and popular school has outgrown its capacity.
The standalone bespoke single-storey building, with an internal floor space of 4,038m2, accommodates children with a range of complex needs with classrooms spread along two main wings.
Each classroom benefits from large outdoor spaces and playground provisions. The school has specialised teaching areas for art and D&T, ICT and life skills, as well as a library, sensory areas and a sports hall. The school is also equipped with a training and family room.
The site also provides a modern Football Foundation specification grass pitch and a 3G pitch for use by the school, local community and local football clubs/leagues. Hollingworth Football Club will run and manage the artificial and grass pitches which will be available for community bookings outside school hours.
The building has been constructed to achieve the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent rating, which sets best practice standards for the environmental performance of buildings. The energy efficient and sustainable design is part of Tameside working towards being Net Zero by 2038.
Solar photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps have been installed to reduce carbon emissions and generate energy savings. During construction, renewable energy powered the site, and more than 99% of waste was diverted from landfill.
With specific SEND health and wellbeing requirements to the fore, the materials palette is non-intimidating and calming. Robertson engaged with school staff, parents and the local community throughout the project to ensure that needs and priorities were met.
Councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member for Children’s Services, Tameside Council, said: "It's fantastic that pupils are enjoying and making the most of the superb facilities in their state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, new school.
“We are committed to investing in our children’s education, welfare and future, and this development shows our ambition to provide the very best becoming reality. The community will also benefit from the new, modern sports pitches.”
Dirk Pittaway, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction North West, said: “With the needs of pupils and their teachers always in mind, we’ve created an inclusive environment where children can learn, grow and reach their full potential.
“This is a meaningful project that places the school at the heart of its local community and is another successful job delivered on time for Tameside Council, continuing our strong relationship.”
Clare John, CEO, New Bridge Multi Academy Trust, said: “The new school building is stunning, and it’s a joy to see the pupils learning and having fun already. I have to say well done and thank you to the Hawthorns staff teams, for working so hard to get the school ready in time for the start of term.”
Learning Education Partnership – Inspired Spaces directly appointed Robertson to deliver Hawthorns Primary School on their behalf for Tameside Council.
