Update on new multi-million pound Greenfield Academy

The ceremony took place at Greenfield Academy in Newton Aycliffe, where Esh Construction hosted representatives from the Advanced Learning Partnership Multi Academy Trust, Durham County Council, Atkins Realis, school staff and pupils.

The topping out marks substantial progress in the academy’s multi-million pound redevelopment, which includes a new education hub, upgraded sports facilities and community spaces.

Students at a topping-out ceremony has been held at Greenfield Academy in Newton Aycliffe (Image: Supplied)

Grant Watson, construction director at Esh Construction, said: “Reaching topping out at Greenfield Academy is a significant moment for the project and a real testament to the collaboration between the academy, Durham County Council and our project teams.

“With the building envelope now largely complete, we’re making strong progress internally and looking ahead to the next phases of fit-out and external works that will bring these new facilities to life.”

The new block will eventually accommodate up to 750 students and is being funded jointly by Durham County Council and the Multi Academy Trust.

It forms part of a wider programme of works, including a sports centre extension and refurbishment of existing school facilities.

A topping-out ceremony has been held at Greenfield Academy in Newton Aycliffe (Image: Supplied)

The teaching block is now structurally complete, with the roof fully installed and tested, brickwork nearing completion and windows fully glazed, making the building secure and weather-tight.

Inside, partitions have been formed and classrooms are taking shape, while mechanical and electrical installations are underway.

Once finished, the block will house 19 classrooms and specialist hubs for IT, art, design and technology, and science.

Mr Watson said: “With the building envelope now largely complete, we’re making strong progress internally and looking ahead to the next phases of fit-out and external works that will bring these new facilities to life.”

Work on the sports centre extension is also progressing, with brickwork complete and internal works and cladding about to begin.

The centre will feature new changing rooms and a dance studio for both curriculum delivery and wider community use.

James Keating, executive headteacher at Greenfield Academy, said: “This new building will transform the lives of our young people for generations to come.

“It will give our pupils access to an outstanding learning environment, one that truly reflects their potential, nurtures their ambition and provides the facilities they deserve.

“These state-of-the-art spaces will inspire creativity, curiosity and confidence, and will support our staff in delivering exceptional education every single day.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress being made and deeply grateful to all partners involved in bringing this vision to life.”

In addition to the new build, refurbishment work is underway within the existing school to reconfigure and upgrade key areas, providing lasting benefits beyond simple aesthetic improvements.

The overall project aims to deliver modern, adaptable learning environments, enhanced sports facilities and a strengthened community role for the academy.

Councillor Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s service, said: “This is a key milestone in developing a modern education hub at Greenfield Academy and we are pleased that our strong collaboration with Esh Construction and the academy has allowed us to reach this important moment.

“We’re excited for this multi-million-pound development to be completed, when it will provide a cutting-edge facility for families in Newton Aycliffe.”