£34 million transformation gets underway at Luton schools

23 September, 2010

Two of Luton's secondary schools are about to undergo major transformations benefitting over two thousand local children.

Wates Construction is starting work at both Lealands and Ashcroft schools carrying out refurbishment works totaling £34million, which are due to be completed in early 2013.

Ashcrofts £18.9million plans include a full refurbishment of the existing secondary school taking pupil numbers from 1170 to 1350.  Works will include a new theatre, demolition and rebuild of a state-of the-art technology department, and a brand new science block.  There will also be an open plan plaza in the centre of the school providing a dynamic space for community use and flexible learning. 

The £15.5 million works at Lealands will include a full refurbishment of the existing buildings and an exciting new entrance forming part of a new block.  This will incorporate both community space and new classrooms, a new energy efficient façade to the three storey building, and there will be a new covered courtyard space providing communal space and dedicated teaching areas.  Pupils numbers will increase from 910 to 1050 places.

There will also be refurbished facilities for the youth and nursery areas, and extra car parking which will allow the existing car park to be used as additional external hard space.

Ian Vickers, Managing Director of Wates Construction Home Counties commented: "We are delighted to have these two fantastic projects about to start.  We are already carrying out significant works in Luton and these two schools will only add to the other excellent education projects already underway.  These projects are not just about the immediate schools, but about re-energising the whole community of Luton, and Wates Construction are delighted to be a part of this."

Cllr Khan, Executive Member for Children’s Services at Luton Borough Council said: “I am delighted to say that we have reached financial close for a further two of our school under the BSF programme.  This will mean that we can improve both Ashcroft and Lealands High School and enhance the facilities for a much improved learning environment that will be enjoyed by many of our children in Luton.  I would like thank everyone involved in the process particularly in such a difficult financial climate."

These works form part of a large number of schools currently being rebuilt or refurbished by Wates Construction as part of the Building Schools for the Futures programme in Luton.  Live sites at present include Lea Manor School, Challney Girls School, Barnfield West and Barnfield South Academies, and in addition to this, Wates are also carrying out works at Downside Primary School and Marsh Farm Children's Centre for Excellence.

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Categories: refurbishment, secondary schools, BSF, northern home counties

Tags: Luton BSF, refurbishment