A construction firm has completed work on a new £7.8 million teaching block at a Derby school which will allow it to increase student numbers.
Wates Construction has now handed over the new building at Murray Park Community School, in Mickleover, which has been named the Maple Centre by students.
Situated in front of the existing school building, the Maple Park Centre features a new reception area, 15 classrooms, as well as modern office space for staff.
As part of the refurbishment programme, the school has also benefited from new kitchen areas and a reconfiguration of classroom space.
The new building, which Wates delivered in partnership with Derby City Council, now allows Murray Park to increase pupil capacity from 1,100 to 1,650.
John Carlin, regional managing director at Wates Construction Midlands, said: “It is a testament to Derby City Council’s foresight for the future of Murray Park Community School that we have now handed over these impressive new facilities to staff and students.
“It was a bold ambition for the school but our first class team has delivered on the council’s brief to create a truly innovative learning environment for young people.
“We’ve really enjoyed working with the council on this project and look forward to seeing the Maple Park Centre’s impact upon those pupils who will access the facilities in the years to come.”
The new block was designed by Nottingham-based Lungfish Architects and the project was procured through the Scape empa framework, which has been superceded by Scape’s Regional Construction framework.
Simon Reid, managing director at Lungfish, said: “We’re really proud to have been part of the design team and thrilled at the reaction the school invokes.
“Murray Park Community School will provide an additional 550 much-needed school places that will provide the children and teachers the high quality spaces they need to thrive.”
Mark Robinson, Scape group chief executive, said: “Building engaging and innovative teaching spaces not only helps to give children the very best start in life but also attracts a high calibre of teaching staff.
“Murray Park School is an excellent example of the benefits of utilising our collaborative approach to delivery, which has enabled the rapid completion of a quality project, with economic benefits embedded into the local community.”
