Demolition gets underway at Whitburn C of E school

It was the end of an era today for the former Whitburn C of E School, as the demolition of the original school building commenced.

Miller Construction (UK) Ltd, the main contractor, was joined by the Estates Manager, Vic Ditchburn and Site Supervisor, Keith Ledger, who attended the original school to watch the start of the demolition process. 

Once completed the site of the former school, which was originally built in 1932, will be transformed to provide an extension to the new £22m school which will be utilised as a dance studio, and fitness suite, while the remaining area will become sports pitches with a running track; a hard surface multi-use games court and cycle shelters for pupils.

The new three storey school which welcomed pupils following the Easter break earlier this year is at the cutting edge of education facilities and boasts the latest in ICT provision, ensuring that Whitburn C of E School is well equipped to meet 21st century education requirements.

Paula Williams, Head Teacher, Whitburn C of E School, said: “It’s a day of mixed emotions to see the former school be taken down, but there is also a great air of excitement as once the remaining works are completed we will have our completed new school. Pupils have a safe grandstand view of the demolition from the new school and are sad and excited at the same time.” 

“The new facilities are second to none and we have all been delighted with the results of our hard work.  We are confident that the new building will bring many opportunities for our pupils who have consistently achieved excellent results.”  

“Keith Ledger, a former pupil left in1974 and returned to work at the school in1988, Dennis Smith a Caretaker since 2001 also attended the school leaving in 1964, so while it’s the end of an era for the old building, the school day memories of former pupils will live on, and our current and future pupils will have memories of attending what can only be described as an exceptionally beautiful and effective educational facility.”

Glenn Stephenson, Site Manager, Miller Construction, said: “We are delighted today to have been joined by staff to see the demolition of the former school taking place; we can see the pupils at the windows of the new school.  The demolition is necessary in order that the project can be completed and the new facilities provided, this is the fourth project that we have undertaken for The Durham Diocesan Board of Education, and like the schools motto ‘Excellence for All’, this project for us has been excellent to work on and we look forward to delivering an excellent finished facility in early September for the pupils and staff returning after the summer break.”

OFSTED rated every aspect of Whitburn C of E School as ‘outstanding’ following its recent inspection and it is anticipated that the new facilities will assist the school in continuing to prosper.

Ends

For media enquiries:
Adele Lothian
Miller Construction (UK) Ltd
0870 336 5141 adele.lothian@miller.co.uk