Exciting developments are on the horizon as a long-awaited initiative to reconstruct a primary school in York is set to commence next week. After enduring over a year of delays, the construction at Tang Hall Primary School is finally ready to kick off during the February half-term break.
As reported by The Press in September 2024, the project faced significant setbacks due to the collapse of the construction firm ISG. This unfortunate event halted the planned upgrades for the century-old Tang Hall building, leaving many in the community disappointed.
Additionally, ISG's troubles affected another primary school in York, Hempland in Heworth, which is also part of the Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust (MAT). Work at Hempland has yet to restart, leaving many anxious about the future of their educational facilities.
Tang Hall's headteacher, Lorraine Atkinson, expressed her enthusiasm about the upcoming rebuild. "The staff and I are thrilled to see the construction work finally beginning with Tilbury Douglas as our contractors," she stated. "This initial phase is crucial for paving the way towards our new school, which promises to significantly improve our educational environment and resources. We truly appreciate the understanding and support from our school community as we embark on this journey."
Currently, the existing school, which was established in the 1920s, will be replaced with a modern, single-storey structure. This new building will feature state-of-the-art amenities such as classrooms, a nursery, a library, staff rooms, offices, and a multi-purpose hall.
The construction process will begin with renovations to part of the existing facility, allowing all students and staff to be accommodated on one section of the campus. Once that is completed, portions of the older building will be demolished to make space for the new construction.
A representative from the Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust shared their excitement about the project: "We are thrilled that the initial phase of the Tang Hall rebuild will soon be underway. Tilbury Douglas is set to execute the project according to the approved plans, which include a newly designed L-shaped single-storey building in the north-west section of the site. It will also feature a revamped playing field, a play area, landscaped grounds, and improved outdoor spaces on the eastern half of the property. Importantly, the school will remain fully functional throughout this project, as we have made thorough arrangements to ensure the well-being and safety of our students, staff, and visitors at all times."
The newly constructed building is anticipated to be finished by winter 2027, and it will take up a smaller footprint than the current facility, thereby allowing for additional outdoor areas and amenities for students.
The Department for Education (DfE), which is responsible for overseeing the funding and management of the rebuild, has appointed Morgan Sindall Construction as the main contractor for Hempland Primary, an institution that has faced similar challenges. Prior to the work stoppage in September 2024, ISG had completed the concrete foundations and steel structure for Hempland's new two-storey building.
The Pathfinder spokesperson added, "We have been collaborating closely with the DfE and Morgan Sindall to ensure that work can resume at Hempland as quickly as possible. Extensive site surveys and necessary remedial actions are currently in progress, and we expect full construction efforts to resume during the summer term. We acknowledge the disruption and uncertainty these delays have caused and sincerely thank the students, staff, parents, and local residents for their ongoing patience, support, and understanding. We look forward to delivering two state-of-the-art schools designed for 21st-century learning, which will serve their communities for many years to come."
