We've passed the test

29 September 2008

At the start of the new term the pupils of St. Cuthbert’s R.C.Primary, Crook, moved into their brand new state of the art school. Designed by architects Silvester Ashton Partnership of Eston, Middlesbrough and built to exacting standards by T. Manners & Sons Ltd. of Bishop Auckland it gave the excitement of starting a new school year an extra dimension.

The school currently caters for 180 pupils but has an overall capacity of about 236. The contract value was £2.6 million, however the total value when fees and land costs are included is in excess of this.

Building work began in June 2007 after a decision had been taken to implement Mrs. Simpson’s suggestion to relocate to the original school’s playing field. A new sports pitch and multi-use games area was created which involved a certain amount of cut and fill work. The work was fully completed in August 2008.

“We had, and still have,” said Mrs. Simpson, “an excellent relationship with our building team, in particular with Manners’ site manager, Barry Nicholson, who has done everything in his power to assist us and make the transition as stress-free as possible. He effectively became part of the family.”

Architects Silvester Ashton have designed a school that gives the pupils, parents and staff exactly what they required and expected and, judging by the smiling faces and happy atmosphere, one of which they are very proud.