PUPILS have been welcomed for the first time at a new £23 million primary school in Mottram.
Hawthorns Primary – described by Tameside Council as ‘state-of-the-art’ and ‘energy efficient’ – has opened for the new academic year.
The school, managed by New Bridge Academy Trust on behalf of the local authority, provides 246 places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
It had outgrown its capacity at its previous site – Aldwyn Primary School in Audenshaw – having originally been designed to accommodate 60 pupils.
The cost of the project has steadily risen – having been reported at £13 million in 2022, £19 million last year, then £21 million this summer and now £23 million.
Back in the summer, items were created by pupils to place into a steel time capsule at the site to preserve childhood memories and artefacts.
The development – commissioned by Tameside Council and built by Robertson Construction North West – features a standalone single-storey building which was planned to accommodate children with a range of complex needs.
Spread along two main wings, each classroom benefits from large outdoor spaces and playground provisions.
The council says the school has specialised teaching areas for art, design and technology, ICT and life skills, as well as a library, sensory areas, a sports hall and a training and family room.
They add that the building was constructed to achieve the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent rating, which sets best practice standards for the environmental performance of buildings.
This includes solar photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps being installed to “reduce carbon emissions and generate energy savings”, while renewable energy powered the site and more than 99 per cent of waste was diverted from landfill.
The site also has a grass pitch and a 3G pitch for use by the school, local community and local football clubs and leagues.
Audenshaw councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s fantastic that pupils are enjoying and making the most of the superb facilities in their state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, new school.
“We are committed to investing in our children’s education, welfare and future, and this development shows our ambition to provide the very best becoming reality. The community will also benefit from the new, modern sports pitches.”
Clare John, CEO of New Bridge Academy Trust, added: “The new school building is stunning, and it’s a joy to see the pupils learning and having fun already. I have to say well done and thank you to the Hawthorns staff teams, for working so hard to get the school ready in time for the start of term.”