Expansion of two Preston primary schools set to take a big step forward
Councillors are set to approve the release of £10.9 million to enable the permanent expansion at two primary schools in Preston to be completed.
Plans to permanently expand Cottam Primary School by 1 form of entry, by doubling the published admission number from 30 to 60 with effect from 2024/25, were approved by cabinet in June 2023. In January 2024, cabinet approved plans to expand Broughton-In-Amounderness Church of England Primary School by 25 places per year from September 2024.
Work at the two sites has been carried out in phases, with both projects now ready to move to the final phase.
On Thursday 20 March, cabinet will be asked to approve the release of £6 million from the approved 2025/26 capital programme for Broughton-In-Amounderness CoE Primary School and £4.9 million for Cottam Primary School.
The release of the capital funds will enable work to begin on both sites to create additional class spaces, toilets and additional provision.
Work is planned to begin at the two sites in Spring 2025 with a handover date of the end of August 2026.
The expansions are part of wider plans to create more school places in areas in Preston where projected shortfalls have been identified.
Councillor Jayne Rear, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said:
"As a local authority we have statutory duty to ensure there are enough school places available to meet demand over the coming years.
"A lot of work goes into identifying where shortfalls are predicted and we keep this under review to ensure we are in step with the latest forecasts.
"Work at Broughton-In-Amounderness CoE Primary School and Cottam Primary School has progressed well and to the planned schedule and we're now in a position where we can begin the final phase at both sites.
"The release of the £10.9 million will allow us to complete the expansions at these two primary schools that will provide the primary school places we need in Preston for years to come."