Construction firm Kier has completed work on a new development of the existing Mayfield School in Portsmouth, Hampshire for the Department for Education (DfE).

The three-storey building is 9422m² in size and will cater for over 1,200 primary and secondary pupils.

The company handed over the keys to the new school which is located on the eastern playing field of the existing school and has been delivered as part of the DfE’s Priority Schools Building Programme. The new building includes 74 classrooms, a spinning studio, modern arts facilities, and a revamped pre-school nursery. A dedicated innovation laboratory has also been constructed to support STEAM learning.

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Elements of the former school building have been retained in the new development, including the portico entrance as well as war memorial plaques and the original 1930s clock is now on the façade of the new building.

Three Kier employees from the local office attended the school throughout the years and are proud to play a part in shaping its future. Steve Topliss, contracts manager at Kier Regional Building Southern, said: "This school has been serving the local community for the past 80 years and with this new building, it will continue to do so for future generations. It means a huge amount to me to help deliver this project, quite simply I could not be prouder to have transformed my former secondary school."

Kier worked with the local community throughout phase one of the project, providing 10 work placements, three jobs as well as hosting several virtual work experiences with students from surrounding colleges.

The final phase of the project is underway and includes the demolition of the old building, making way for the schools extended playing fields. Works are due to complete in April 2022.