MODULES were lifted into place last week, marking the next step in building a school in Matthews Green.
Phase one of the installation included 50 modular frames which have been landed in place and make up the majority of the primary school building. The new multi-use games area is also nearly finished.
Once opened, the 210-place school off Queens Road will be managed by The Keys Academy Trust.
“It’s great to see the buildings taking shape now the modules have arrived on site at Matthews Green,” Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services said.
“Investing in new schools is vital for the borough and ensures we support families by providing a school place close to home.
“The Keys Academy Trust is proven to provide an excellent education to hundreds of students in our borough, running successful schools in Shinfield, Earley, Hurst, Sonning and Twyford. We look forward to seeing them provide this standard of schooling to more students in the borough when this school opens.”
In a decision to cut carbon emissions, 75% of the building work for the new block will be completed modularly offsite by council contractor Reds10.
Michael Ruddick, company director said he is pleased to have reached an important milestone on another project with the council.
“Our partnership is shaping the future of the local community and Matthews Green is set to be one of the key projects, while helping the council reach its carbon agenda,” he said.
As part of the project, a 500sqm community facility will be built on the same site.
It will have a separate entrance but will be linked, with the school and community centre sharing facilities if and when needed.
The new school and community amenities are funded through developer contributions as part of the four major new communities at Arborfield, Shinfield and North and South Wokingham, and includes an investment of £98million in new schools.
In total these developments will bring seven new primary schools, with two already open at Montague Park in Wokingham and Alder Grove in Shinfield.
“New schools are one of the most important improvements we are seeing across the borough,” Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement said.
“It’s vital we support our current and future residents by providing the facilities they need nearby. The new school at Matthews Green is a great example of this with a community facility being provided at the heart of the new development, alongside the school.”
