Weston All Saints C of E Primary School’s (WASP’s) new £3.5m teaching block, built by Bath & North East Somerset Council, will be officially opened by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester tomorrow.
The 1950s-built Junior block, which suffered from structural problems, has been demolished and replaced by the new building which not only provides new facilities but is linked to the existing Infant block, providing a more cohesive school campus.
As part of her visit, Her Royal Highness will have the chance to meet staff and pupils and see the outstanding new teaching block. She will also see pupils taking part in activities such as working with stained glass, felt-making, poetry writing and creative embroidery, in line with the school’s strong emphasis on the arts.
Anne Bull, Headteacher of Weston All Saints Primary School, said: “Everyone associated with the school is delighted with our new facilities. We have worked together with the Council to provide a wonderful school environment which will provide excellent teaching and learning space for our children.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s contractors Midas completed the new block at a cost of £3.5million. The facilities include eight classrooms, a large hall and arts and crafts spaces. The school also took the opportunity to fund the replacement and relocation of its learner swimming pool to an area between the two buildings – and the external landscaping includes a pond with an island and a ‘magical grotto’ designed by the pupils.
Councillor Dine Romero (Lib Dem, Southdown), Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children & Youth, said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to helping schools to develop and extend their role into the local community. We’re pleased to see that the children and staff of Weston All Saints Primary are so happy with their new classrooms and assembly hall. They now have fantastic facilities and their enjoyment of these is certain to be reflected in the warm welcome given to Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council received funding for the project in 2010 from the national Primary Capital Programme. The Council prioritised investment totalling £8.4 million to replace very poor condition buildings at Batheaston Primary, Bathford Primary, Midsomer Norton Primary, and Weston All Saints Primary. The construction work has now been completed at all four schools.
