National construction specialist Seddon has been chosen for a £1.3 million project to extend Clifton Primary School in Balsall Heath, Birmingham.

Clifton Primary, graded as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted for the second time in May 2013, is a National Support School and centre of excellence. To accommodate an increase in pupil numbers in the area it began a programme of expansion in 2011.

Seddon has just started work on the refurbishment of the old Key Stage 1 building and is building a new extension alongside this.

The development will transform the old classrooms and hall into a bright and spacious Early Years Foundation stage building for three- to five-year-olds. Once completed, the refurbished building will be able to comfortably accommodate up to 120 children in the nursery and a further 120 children in the four reception classes. In addition, the new-build will provide a hall with 'Sports England' recommended dimensions, dining facilities, a training facility plus other offices, cloakrooms and utility rooms.


The extension will have a brick base with wall cladding and render in blue and green to complement the Key Stage 1 building which was completed in January 2012. It will also feature a sustainable sedum living roof. The building programme, set to be completed in March 2014, includes internal refurbishment work and the conversion of an existing car park into a play area for the nursery. A replacement car park will be created and there will be improvements to the site boundary at Brunswick Road with new fencing and planting.

Seddon business unit manager Richard Sapcote said: "We're delighted to be working with Clifton Primary School to help create these modern educational facilities for pupils and teaching staff. Our team has a strong track record in the education sector and we will be working closely with the school to ensure that it can continue to operate as normal throughout the construction operations."

(CD)