Last updated at 17:09, Thursday, 29 November 2012

AMAZED pupils and staff have been given a sneak preview inside their modernised school building.

• Watch a video clip....

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

Barrow Island Community Primary School is undergoing a £3.5m revamp.

During the past 14 months Seddon Construction has been carrying out the work at the Trinity Street school. The building is now watertight and the inside is taking shape.

The pupils are using the former Alfred Barrow School building, in Duke Street, while their school is under repair.

The refurbishment is due to be complete in the spring.

It is the last of three Barrow primary schools to benefit from a cash pot of £12.8m given to Cumbria County Council through the Primary Capital Programme. Other schools already completed are St George’s C of E Primary School, in Barrow, and Vickerstown Primary School, Walney.

Pupils won the chance to have a look around the building ahead of when they move back next year.

The Victorian building has a new roof, new floors, lighting and heating.

The group, which also included Cumbria County Councillors Anne Burns and Tina Macur, was shown around on Tuesday by Richard Cater, of Capita Symonds, who explained the design.

The year four children described their revamped school as “awesome”, “cool”, and “much better than it used to be”.

Delighted Barrow Island headteacher, Janet Dixon, said the refurbishment will make a significant difference to the outcomes for many children and families in the area. Mrs Dixon said: “I love it. I have not seen inside the building for two months and they have made really good progress.”

A new roof was not part of the original plans, it was just to be repaired, but Mrs Dixon said it is fantastic that the roof has been replaced.

She thanked the Seddon Construction team for its hard work.

Cllr Burns said: “It’s wonderful, it’s just like a new building for them. I’m so pleased for these pupils and staff. It’s what we want for every child. Look how excited they are.”

Mark Wood, who lives across the road in Annan Street has been working as a labourer on the site since the start of the project.

Mr Wood, 31, said it is great to work on a project in his neighbourhood and at the school his nieces attend.

He said: “It’s wonderful for the children to have this modern school with a lot more facilities. It’s fantastic working for Seddon.”

First published at 17:05, Thursday, 29 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk