Work on a new £6.3 million extension to Marshalls Park Academy in Romford has been completed.
The expansion is part of a £23 million investment to improve local schools by Havering Council.
Built by Barnes Construction and designed by KLH Architects, with Superstructures assisting with the structural engineering design, the new two-storey extension comprises of 16 new classrooms for subjects such as science and maths, design technology, a dance studio and changing facilities.
During construction, pupils planted a time capsule under the ground floor corridor. The capsule contained modern-day items that will be uncovered by future generations so that they can learn more about what life was like in early 2020.
Andrew Rosindell M.P. said:
"I was delighted to visit Marshalls Park Academy in my constituency, where £6.3 million is being spent on an extension to help ensure that students at the school have the best possible facilities available to them.
After the year that students across Romford have had, it is absolutely right that we ensure we are investing in their future."
Councillor Robert Benham, Havering’s Cabinet Member of Education, Children and Families, said:
“This is good news for the borough and means that pupils will have access to the most modern equipment and facilities to ensure they achieve their best at school.
The new amenities at Marshalls Park are part of a programme of works by Havering Council to improve facilities for this and future generations and complements the borough’s regeneration work and our growing population.”
Headteacher Neil Frost said:
“We are thrilled to see this programme come to fruition; the building will provide modern facilities for the students that are coming to Marshalls Park.
We would like to thank Havering Council for their support and investment in the project, and to Barnes Construction and Jacobs, the architects, for making the project a reality, especially given the challenges of the pandemic.”
Mark Bailey, Director of Barnes Construction, said:
“We are delighted to have handed over this modern, clean and bright extension to Havering and Marshalls Park Academy.
The extension enhances the academy’s existing facilities and will undoubtedly provide the pupils with some outstanding learning spaces within which to further their education.
Our thanks go to Havering Council, the academy staff and pupils for their patience and assistance during our time on site.”
