The latest stage in Costain's revitalisation of education provision in Lewisham, south London, has arrived with the start of work on Addey and Stanhope School.

The school has roots in Deptford dating back to 1604 and is now a specialist technology school. The buildings range from the Victorian era to the 1980s and the renewal project will see a split between rebuilding and refurbishment under a Private Finance Initiative agreement.


As part of the Building Schools for the Future initiative, the Costain team is demolishing and replacing one of the Victorian buildings and providing a new sports hall and administrative area. The main classroom block will be updated and equipped to meet the needs of the 21st century.

"We've got to keep the business continuity going, so we will provide temporary accommodation, with pupils moving in and out in phases as we move around the school," said Commercial Manager, Ian Dixon. Costain has installed portable accommodation on a playground that will eventually be transformed into a new outdoor sports area.

Work on the two/three-storey building got underway in February and is expected to end in August 2012.

(CD/GK)