Carter Construction has started work on the region's first parent and community led primary school at Cooper’s Edge on the outskirts of Gloucester.

It will be a major asset for the fledgling community, according to Carter’s major works director Ian Brown. "Built to exacting standards, it will make maximum use of natural daylight with renewable energy sources providing heating and hot water."

The £7 million school will be managed by the Cooper's Edge Trust, a partnership between the Cooper's Edge parent community group and the Robinswood Trust.

Sited at the heart of a new housing development, it will also be used by local organisations, healthcare providers, adult education groups and sports clubs.

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Fitted with the latest multi-media technology throughout, the school will also have traditional playgrounds and a grassed sports pitch will be built alongside a multi-use games area, all-weather facilities and an amphitheatre.

When fully open next year the school will be within walking or cycling distance for some 420 children and their parents.

The trust was chosen by Gloucestershire County Council, following a competition to run the school, and is being funded by an agreement with a consortium of developers.

Mr Brown added: "The trust will own the land and the buildings, which means it will always be used for educational purposes and for the good of the wider community.

"The school will be a tremendous asset for the area, architecturally attractive and built to exacting standards that meet the wishes of everyone who worked tirelessly to make their vision come true."

It has been designed by the Gloucester-based architects Roberts Limbrick, on behalf of Carter Construction.

(CD)