A major milestone for education in Heckmondwike was marked as pupils, staff, project partners and invited guests gathered for the official ground-breaking ceremony of the new Co-op Academy Smithies Moor.
The ceremony signals the start of construction on a brand-new, purpose-built primary school, delivered through the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme. The investment will provide generations of local children with an inspiring, sustainable and modern learning environment designed specifically for primary education.
The current school occupies a former secondary school building dating back several decades. While it has served the community well, the building is no longer fit for the needs of modern primary education. The new development will create a state-of-the-art school that reflects the ambition, innovation and high aspirations already evident within the academy.
The new school has been carefully designed to support outstanding teaching and learning while allowing pupils to remain safely on site throughout construction. Once complete, it will include:
● Modern classrooms designed for collaborative learning.
● Specialist teaching spaces.
● A spacious school hall.
● New outdoor play and PE facilities.
● A Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
● A forest school and enhanced outdoor learning spaces.
● Improved landscaping and biodiversity.
● Secure cycle parking and improved access arrangements.
● A net zero carbon in operation building featuring sustainable technologies including a biosolar roof and air source heat pumps.
The redevelopment represents far more than a new building. It is an investment in the future of children, families and the wider community, creating a learning environment where curiosity, creativity and ambition can flourish for decades to come.
Caroline Watkiss, Headteacher at Co-op Academies Trust said:
“Today is a really exciting milestone for our school community. Our new school will provide an inspiring environment where every child can learn, thrive and achieve their very best. We can’t wait to see our pupils enjoying these fantastic new facilities and creating memories here for many years to come.”
The project is being delivered by the Department for Education as part of the national School Rebuilding Programme, with Bowmer + Kirkland appointed to construct the new school. The scheme has been designed to minimise disruption by keeping the existing school operational while the new building is constructed before pupils move into their new learning environment.
Lianne Lawson, Contracts Manager at Bowmer + Kirkland said:
“We’re delighted to be working with the Department for Education and Co-op Academies Trust to deliver this fantastic new school. This project will create a modern, sustainable learning environment for future generations, and we’re proud to play our part in bringing this important investment to the local community.”
The academy has long been recognised for its commitment to nurturing every child through the Co-op Ways of Being, ensuring pupils develop academically, socially and personally. The new school building will provide facilities that match the ambition of its staff and pupils while strengthening the academy’s role at the heart of the local community.
Today’s ceremony celebrated not only the breaking of ground, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Co-op Academy Smithies Moor, a school where future generations of children will learn, grow and thrive in an environment designed for the future.
