County Durham School refurbishment plans move ahead
- gracebell7
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Esh Construction secures additional £4m refurbishment contract at Greenfield Academy
Esh Construction has been appointed to deliver a £4 million refurbishment programme at Greenfield Academy, complementing the ongoing new build project already underway in Newton Aycliffe.
The refurbishment works form part of a phased approach to modernising the school estate and will run alongside the construction of the new £14 million three-storey education hub.
Esh was appointed to deliver the new school facility in June 2025 in partnership with Durham County Council and the Advance Learning Partnership Multi Academy Trust. The combined investment will provide state-of-the-art facilities for students and staff, supporting the school’s ambition to create an inspiring learning environment for future generations.
Grant Watson, Construction Director at Esh Construction, said: “We’re delighted to extend our involvement at Greenfield Academy through this significant refurbishment programme. Alongside the new build, these works will transform key areas of the school, providing modern, high-quality spaces for teaching and learning. Our team is committed to delivering the project safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards, ensuring the school community benefits from improved facilities.”
The refurbishment contract will run in several phases to minimise disruption to school operations, with the initial phase focusing on the music and drama classrooms, followed by works to the main hall, reception, dining and kitchen areas in later phases. Work will include full roof replacement with new insulation and weatherproof membranes, upgraded ceilings and floor finishes, full decoration and the installation of new partitions to create additional teaching spaces.
Mechanical and electrical upgrades will be carried out, with LED lighting introduced throughout, new ventilation systems installed, and improved drainage to accommodate new toilet facilities.
James Keating, Executive Headteacher at Greenfield Academy, said “We are thrilled to see this next phase of investment in our school. The refurbishment works, alongside the new build facility, will completely transform our learning environment and provide exceptional facilities for both current pupils and future generations. This project reflects our commitment to delivering the very best opportunities for our young people and ensuring Greenfield Academy remains at the heart of the community.”
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, added: “Staff, students and the whole community are quite rightly excited by the school’s new build, and it’s important that the entire school estate offers students a modern, fit for purpose and inspiring learning environment.
“This refurbishment project will help to deliver that, providing state-of-the-art facilities for those who currently attend, as well as future generations of learners. We look forward to seeing the project completed and witnessing the positive impact this will have on staff and students.”
The new education hub is expected to complete in Autumn 2026 and will provide 19 classrooms, and specialist subject hubs for IT, art, design & technology and science, whilst a sports centre extension will enable the Academy to open the doors for community use outside of school hours.
To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk
