Millions of pounds is to be spent on Thurrock’s schools over the coming months.
Thurrock Council’s Planning Committee approved a series of applications for primary and secondary schools on Thursday (10 February).
At Chafford Hundred Primary, a new nursery block will be built this year for use from September 2011 and the second phase of the project will expand the school to accommodate an additional form of entry — around 30 children per year. This will be completed for September 2012.
The final phase of the Treetops development also won the go-ahead. This will see an extension to the school to provide additional office accommodation, changing facilities, a kitchen and canteen.
It also includes a single-storey building for plant equipment associated with the canteen.
St Clere’s, in Butts Lane, Stanford-le-Hope will be developing a timber potting shed, six polytunnels and landscaping.
This will provide better facilities for environmental- and land-based diploma teaching for 14- to19-year-olds across the borough.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Diana Hale, the council’s portfolio holder for education, said: “Improving the results and aspirations of our young people is a top priority for Thurrock and Thursday’s decisions by the Planning Committee is a key part of that.
“Providing our pupils with a quality learning environment is a very important step in raising ambition and hitting our target to ensure they have the best possible chances.”
She added: “There is already plenty of work going on in our schools. At Lansdowne Primary in Tilbury, for example, internal remodelling and refurbishment work to classrooms is expected to be completed in time for the next school year along with remodelling of the courtyard, outdoor learning areas and the central block.
“Purfleet Primary will be having three new classrooms to replace temporary ones, plus a new secure entrance, improved landscaping and a new spiritual garden within the internal courtyard. With a total budget of £1.8million work is due for completion in August 2012.
“And work has already started to complete the new West Thurrock Primary where six classrooms will be completed and external areas to provide a grass playing field is expected to be ready at Easter this year.”
