Steel signing marks major milestone at Greenfield Academy
- kelseygarbutt
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
A steel signing ceremony has marked a significant milestone in the construction of Greenfield Academy’s new state-of-the-art education hub in Newton Aycliffe.
Esh Construction 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. Now, with the first phase of work on the new three-storey teaching block and sports hall complete, the event brought together students, staff, project partners and local dignitaries to celebrate the progress.
Among those etching their signature on the steel frame were Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, Cllr Cathy Hunt, James Keating, Executive Headteacher, and Amy Aspland, Head of School at Greenfield Academy, as well as 10 students from the academy’s ‘Greenfield Gazette’ newspaper team, and senior representatives from Esh Construction and AtkinsRealis.
A total of 795 hot rolled steel sections have been used to construct the teaching block and sports hall, weighing a combined 202 tonnes and installed by Sunderland-based company, Harry Marsh (Engineers) Ltd. Works are now continuing at pace with ground floor slab preparation works and upper floor metal decking and concrete installation.
Grant Watson, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, said: “We’re proud to bring our extensive experience in delivering high-quality educational facilities to Greenfield Academy. The steel signing is a proud moment for everyone involved and reflects the collaborative effort behind this project. We’re committed to creating inspiring spaces where young people can thrive.”
Planning permission for the modernised facilities was granted in 2024, with the new three-storey teaching block set to provide 19 classrooms and specialist subject hubs for IT, art, design & technology and science. The new, extended sports centre will also be made available for community use outside of school hours.
James Keating, Executive Headteacher at Greenfield Academy, said: “This is a pivotal moment for both the present and future of Greenfield Academy. As a cornerstone of our local community, Greenfield’s continued growth and success are vital. Today, with the developments we see here, its future is secured. It is a true pleasure for myself, children and members of the community to sign the steel and be part of this inspiring project that will benefit generations to come.”
Esh’s commercial build team has worked with Howarth Litchfield Architects, BGP, KYOOB and Gemini to ensure energy efficient elements are factored into the development. Greenfield Academy’s education hub will feature photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps to futureproof the facilities. Externally, the site will benefit from a redesigned car park, additional playground space, and landscaped areas, with provision for 100 car parking spaces and 46 cycle bays.
Durham County Council is helping to fund the new education hub and updated facilities alongside the Multi Academy Trust, which will provide provision for up to 750 students. Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, added: “It is fantastic to be here to witness such a significant milestone for Greenfield Academy. With great progress being made on site, students and staff can look forward to the state-of-the art education hub opening with a real sense of excitement.
“This is going to be of huge benefit to the school and the wider community, offering somewhere for the students to thrive and residents to come together to improve their health and wellbeing. It is such an exciting time for the whole Greenfield community and we look forward to the project reaching further milestones in the near future.”
As part of Esh Construction’s support of the County Durham Pound project and its commitment to delivering social value throughout the scheme, an apprentice from Durham will work on the project, with a T-Level student also benefiting from 45 days of work experience on site.
The facilities at Greenfield Academy are due to open in Autumn 2026.
To find out more about Greenfield Academy, visit https://greenfieldacademy.org.uk/
To find out more about the County Durham Pound project, visit www.countydurhampound.co.uk
