Construction and phasing

The works to construct the new school are to be planned to ensure safety and minimise environmental impact but also to work with multiple site constraints some of which are shown on this plan. 

The nature of construction naturally causes a level of disruption to the surrounding neighbours and occupied site. Disruption to the school day and nearby residents will actively be kept to a minimum as far as reasonably possible. 

The proposed phasing, by keeping the existing school running, will mean that no temporary accommodation will be required and pupils will remain in their familiar accommodation during the construction period. 

How long will it take?

The proposed redevelopment of Somerlea Park Junior School will likely be undertaken across 3 phases of construction to allow the school to operate during the construction works. 

Post planning permission phasing is as follows:

Phase 1 - Distribution Network Operators - Start on site - April 2024 (Subject to Planning)

Phase 2 - Enabling works to new substation and utilities with some demolition to facilitate the new substation location - Start September 2024

Phase 3 - Construction of the new teaching block and move pupils from old school into their new school - Start November 2024

Phase 4 - Old school buildings removed to allow improved outdoor space - estimated demolition date of existing school -Start September 2025

Practical completion - February 2026

Who is building the school?

Bowmer and Kirkland have been appointed as Main Contractor by the Department for Education. They are a local contractor based in Belper only 6 miles away. They are very experienced in the construction and development of schools. You can see some examples on their website here

How safe will it be during construction?

The proposed new school will be securely screened and hoarded to ensure no access is available to unauthorised personnel. Bowmer and Kirkland’s Health and Safety Policy may be found here

What will it look like?

A Public Consultation meeting was held at the school on Wednesday, 13 September 2023 where the proposed plans were displayed. A fly through video can be found below and the full presentation pack which was displayed during the event is available to download by clicking here.