Work is set to start on a new outdoor facility for a West Cumbrian primary school.
Fairfield Primary School in Cockermouth is redeveloping its school field, thanks to funding from the Benny Walker Charitable Trust.
The school has recently appointed RH Irving as contractors to deliver the project.
The new building will feature a full-sized classroom and open learning space, changing rooms, toilets including accessible facilities, equipment storage, and a small kitchen.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the building will incorporate a mono-pitched roof fitted with solar panels and will use an air-source heat pump for heating.
It will also feature a new outdoor learning zone featuring a forest school area.
Significant improvements will also be made to the field itself, including relevelling, a new surface-water drainage system, and attenuation measures.
Headteacher Chris Steele said: “We are delighted to mark the start of the build phase of our new outdoor learning facility — an exciting milestone for Fairfield Primary School.
“This development represents our commitment to providing children with inspiring, meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom.
“The new space will allow our pupils to explore, discover, and grow in an environment designed to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
“We are incredibly grateful to our community for their support and look forward to seeing our children thrive in this wonderful new addition to our school.
“We would also like to thank the Benny Walker Charitable Trust for enabling us to turn our vision into reality. We will be working with the children over the coming months to learn about Benny Walker, his work and his values and how we can pay homage to him within the building for his generous donation.”
Christina Jones, chair of the local governing board said: “About two years ago, Mr Steele approached us to discuss his ambition to redevelop the school field
and maximise its availability and usability for the school.
“Since then, a lot of people have worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to turn this concept into a realistic design and secure the required planning permission.
“Thanks to an incredible donation from the Benny Walker Charitable Trust, we are now able to turn this dream into reality.
“I am confident that school will continue to drive this project forward with the same passion, enthusiasm, and positivity they have shown so far, and I am in no doubt that they will do themselves, the local governing board, the Learning for Life Trust, and the Benny Walker Charitable Trust proud in delivering a beautiful building and usable green space for the children of Fairfield Primary School.”
