Builders set to start work on primaries

8:37am Friday 9th May 2008

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A building firm has been selected to refurbish six primary schools in the borough of Barnet.

Building and civil engineering contractor Kier London beat off competition from two other companies to win the contract to refurbish six schools, as part of the council's primary school capital investment programme (PSCIP).

The firm's winning design was for Whitings Hill School, in Whitings Road, Underhill, which will act as the role model for the other five PSCIP schools.

The new building will cater for about 420 pupils, replacing the existing site, which will be demolished, and will feature a new swimming pool.

It will include renewable energy provision, such as solar panels, hot water solar tubes, a ground source heat pump, a small wind turbine and rainwater collection tanks.

Overall, 20 per cent of the building's energy needs will be met from renewable sources.

Councillor John Marshall, cabinet member for investment in learning, said: "This will be a two-form entry school that will provide the children of Underhill ward with a great start in life."

A planning application for Whitings Hill will be submitted this month. If permission is granted, work will start on site in summer this year and the new school will open in 2009.