An impressive development is set to transform education in Hoddesdon as plans for a new school take shape.
- Hertfordshire County Council has tasked McLaren Construction with building the £11.4 million High Leigh Primary School.
- This project includes a modern two-form entry primary school designed to accommodate 420 pupils, along with a 30-place nursery.
- Innovative construction methods, including structural insulated panels, are set to expedite the building process.
- The completion of this much-needed educational facility is projected for February 2025.
Hertfordshire County Council has entered into a contract with McLaren Construction for the building of a significant educational infrastructure project in Hoddesdon. The new High Leigh Primary School, valued at £11.4 million, will replace the existing Westfield Community Primary School with enhanced capacity, catering to 420 pupils aged 4 to 11. Additionally, the school will feature a 30-place nursery to support early childhood education, serving both the local community and the emerging High Leigh Garden Village.
Emphasising modern construction techniques, the school will be built using structural insulated panels (SIPs) between concrete floors. Produced by Innovaré Systems, these timber panels offer thermal insulation, acoustic benefits, and fire resistance, facilitating a swift construction process. This approach underscores a commitment to sustainability and efficiency, which are becoming increasingly central to public sector projects.
Procured through the Department for Education framework, McLaren Construction’s appointment reflects their ability to deliver medium value contracts across London, the southeast, and the east of England. Their collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council underscores a shared goal of updating existing planning permissions to current standards, thereby ensuring educational facilities meet contemporary requirements and budgets.
Tony Whyte, McLaren’s divisional director for education, highlighted the effective partnership between the council, designers, and the construction team, which has been pivotal in revitalising a planning consent from 2020. “High Leigh will quickly take shape now, and that is the result of an effective partnership,” he stated. The project aims to deliver a quality learning environment within the constraints of public sector budgets, leveraging McLaren’s extensive experience in constructing educational facilities across various regions.
The anticipated completion date of February 2025 marks the culmination of a strategic effort to expand educational infrastructure in Hoddesdon, addressing the pressing need for increased school places in alignment with local developmental plans.
The development of High Leigh Primary School is a critical step towards expanding educational capacity in Hoddesdon.
