An £8.9 million building project to create Luton’s largest primary school has been completed and the facility will open its doors to pupils in September.
Downside Primary, a merger of Downside Infant and Junior Schools in Chaul End Lane, will be led by headteacher Karen Hooker, who is currently head at Sundon Park Junior School.
The existing junior and infant school buildings have been connected with a centralised reception and staffing accommodation block.
The building programme, which began in February last year, will enable the school to increase pupil numbers from 630 to 1,050 for four to 11 year olds, along with extra pre-school places.
The work included new and refurbished spaces to deliver 14 classrooms, improved circulation throughout the site and some external features.
Extra specialist teaching accommodation includes a community sports hall with changing rooms and a foundation classroom cluster, plus dedicated technology and community rooms. There is also a car park arrangement with improved pedestrian access, while substantial investment has provided better connectivity, server upgrades and wireless connections.
The project was delivered under a primary school transformation programme by Luton Learning Community Partnership, Luton Borough Council and Wates Construction. It was declared open by Luton North MP Kelvin Hopkins.
Councillor Tahir Khan said: “This project has been a key investment in the primary school sector which not only helps address pupil place needs in Luton but also provides our young people and teachers with the 21st century facilities that they very much deserve.
“The improved facilities will also benefit the wider community as a whole. The school plays host to a number of community initiatives including parenting courses, women’s groups and family numeracy programmes.”
