Exciting new plans for modern teaching facilities at Greenfield Academy have been approved by Durham County Council. The new development marks a significant milestone for the school, promising a state-of-the-art learning environment for its students and staff.
Most of the outdated and “horrendous” existing buildings will be demolished upon the completion of a new three-storey teaching block. The new structure will be constructed in the current car park to the north of the school, allowing the majority of the current school operations to continue without disruption. Only two existing teaching areas and the sports centre will be retained at the Greenfield Way site.
The approved plans, submitted in partnership with local construction firm Kier Group, have been carefully designed to minimize disruption to staff and pupils, avoiding the need for advanced demolition. This phased approach ensures that teaching can continue in the existing buildings while the new facilities are being built.
Durham County Council emphasised the necessity of this development, noting that the existing buildings have reached the end of their design life. A council spokesperson commented, “The existing blocks to be demolished have reached the end of their design life and the replacement will facilitate a more functional, welcoming, and efficient layout for the school’s everyday operations and needs.”
Councillor Michael Stead, representing Aycliffe North and Middridge, praised the project, highlighting the significant improvement it will bring to the teaching and learning environment. He stated, “A new build for the school is well overdue. When I first became a councillor, I walked that site and the amount of single-pane windows and heating issues was horrendous. There were temporary buildings put outside, with classrooms in portacabins. It’s just not acceptable for children of this day and age to be in a school like that.”
Amy Aspland, Head of School for Greenfield Academy, expressed her enthusiasm for the new development, saying, “This new teaching block is a long-awaited upgrade that will vastly improve the learning environment for both our children and staff, who deserve to learn and work in an environment that is bright, welcoming and fit for purpose.
It marks a new chapter for Greenfield Academy, where we can continue to provide high-quality education in a modern and supportive setting.”
The new build will see the student admission numbers with capacity for up to 750 students. Greenfield Academy will continue to serve students from years seven to eleven, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The phased construction work is set to begin in September, with the new site expected to welcome pupils by September 2025. Following the completion of the new buildings, demolition of the old structures will commence, alongside the development of a new playground and parking facilities. This new build will further support the school’s new developed ethos to provide ‘every child with every opportunity, every day’.