Clegg Construction has started work to build a new £7 million primary school near Blaby, Leicestershire

The new Lubbesthorpe Primary School is the first of three schools to be unveiled as part of the new 4,250-home Lubbesthorpe development currently being developed to the south of Leicester Forest East.

Designed by GSS Architecture, the single-storey building will include 14 classrooms, a learning resources centre, hall, kitchen, staff room, a studio and specialised room and the reception along with plenty of circulating space.

The proposals are based on a green philosophy as the buildings reflect the master planning scheme which encourages green spaces, while the outside is brought in with a focus on natural light and playful colours inside the building.

Tom Jagger, associate at GSS Architecture, said: "There were many different factors to consider when designing New Lubbesthorpe Primary School especially as the school will inform the style of the future community buildings on the development. 

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"The masterplan is also centred, aside from creating a green, eco-friendly site, on forming an open square for the village that will be a central spot that responds to the surrounding site and offers a sense of community in the budding development.

"The internal space of the school is key to the education, focus and safety of the children so bright, clean and spacious areas were key to the design. There will be a simple layout allowing for natural light and ventilation and a central corridor with naturally lit break-out spaces between classrooms."

National M&E engineering consultancy CPW was brought on board by GSS to support with the mechanical and electrical assessment on the project.

Matt Wrate, director and head of the CPW Leicester office, said: "As the consultants for the electrics, heating and lighting and ventilation of the project we worked hard to adopt both passive and active measures to provide a comfortable, vibrant environment conducive to productive learning and working at all times.

"We want to achieve a BREEAM rating of good so there is good daylighting throughout the school and the electrical lighting has been thoughtfully designed with the use of low energy LED luminaires throughout. Similarly, the mechanical services solution reliably provides a suitable environment while minimising energy consumption - this is in keeping with the green philosophy of the project."

Tim Walker, Clegg's Construction Director, said: "We're delighted to be working on such an important building which will form an integral part of the wider development. We have a long history in the construction of educational buildings and the site team is ready to deliver an exceptional project."

The project is scheduled to be complete in July 2019

(LM/MH)