Construction work has commenced to transform the former Daws Hill RAF site in High Wycombe into a new £6.8 million school.

Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure is delivering the Abbey View Primary Academy project on behalf of Buckinghamshire County Council.

The school is being constructed using an innovative, highly sustainable, off-site construction system which utilises structural insulated panels (SIPS) that enable high-quality buildings to be delivered quickly and affordably.

When complete, the two-storey building will offer spaces for 420 primary school students and 52 pre-school children. The project also includes external works and associated car parking for 55 cars and three motorcycles, external play areas, a multi-use games area (MUGA) and first class sports facilities.

A special breaking-ground ceremony was held to mark the beginning of the work.

Mike Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Education, who also officially broke ground on the development, said: "Growth in Buckinghamshire means we need to provide 10,000 school places over the next five years, and the 210 places provided at Abbey View, with potential to expand later, are a welcome part of this future planning, and we wish the school well."

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David Rowsell, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure, commented: "We're delighted to be marking the start of work on this landmark project in High Wycombe, which will be a great resource for the local community and help to meet the growing need for more school places in Buckinghamshire.

"Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure has a real wealth of experience in delivering outstanding schools and education facilities across the UK, while our commitment to social value enriches the communities where we work.

"We are proud to have been appointed to the scheme via the Southern Construction Framework and look forward to collaborating and working closely with the school community, our site neighbours, and the wider project team as we deliver the new Abbey View Primary Academy."

Madasar Mirza, Principal at Abbey View Primary Academy, added: "We are very excited to progress into the next stage of development for our new primary academy. Abbey View will provide an outstanding learning environment and will be committed to delivering inspirational learning opportunities that are fun, purposeful and challenging.

"As well as focusing upon providing an outstanding academic education, Abbey View Primary Academy will promote the core values of respect, aspiration, integrity and resilience. The new primary academy will help create an eco-friendly sustainable learning environment, which will, boost pupils' wellbeing and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

"We are confident that Abbey View Primary Academy will be an excellent addition to the community."

Abbey View Primary Academy is expected to be completed in August 2019.

(CM/MH)