CONSTRUCTION has begun at a Hereford primary school, which will bring improved teaching facilities to the site.

Thanks to substantial funding, Brookfield School will see it's buildings vastly improved for students at the special educational needs school, with a new sports hall and teaching block to be built.

A special turf-cutting ceremony marked that construction is well underway at the Grandstand Road school.

Speller Metcalfe Malvern Ltd was appointed in June 2024 to carry out the £4.5 million improvement project on behalf of the council following a successful tender.

The works are due to be completed in time for the new intake of students in September 2025.

Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet Member of Community Services and Assets, said he was pleased to see that construction has begun, as it will ensure that next year's staff and pupils will benefit from having an improved modern environment to learn in.

Councillor Ivan Powell, cabinet member for Children and Young People, added: “It’s great to see the improvement works have started at Brookfield School.

"This project is a testament to our commitment to provide the best possible school facilities for Herefordshire children with SEND.”

Headteacher of Brookfield School, Michelle Parkes, said: “I would like to personally thank our officers and partners who have been working in challenging circumstances to bring this project to fruition.

"This is an exciting period for the Brookfield School, firstly joining the Mercian Education Trust in April this year and now ‘cutting the turf’ for our new facilities.

“This significant investment means that our wonderful pupils will get an enriched curriculum offer, as well as access to better breakout and play facilities."

The headteacher added that previous pupils were involved in the design process, and the school will be thrilled to welcome them back to showcase the dramatic alterations that will have been completed.

“This build reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a rich curriculum which develops our pupils’ confidence and gives them skills for life and ensuring that our facilities meet the needs of our growing school community.”