National building contractor Speller Metcalfe's redevelopment works at Birchen Coppice Primary School in Kidderminster are finally complete. Pupils and staff moved into the new school last October, to enable the building contractor to undertake the final phase of works on the new build which included demolishing the old school, installing a state of the art SUDS drainage scheme, the creation of a new car park, and completing landscaping works.

Speller Metcalfe Contracts Manager, Matt Brown, stated: "At the beginning from the new build we had a number of physical hurdles to overcome before work could commence. Maintaining close, on-site working relations has been key in ensuring we enjoyed good communication and positive cross co-operation between all stakeholders; our on-site team led by our Project Manager Phil McEneaney, the school and their County representatives."

The new primary school, designed by Worcestershire County Council Property Services, is a 1.5 form entry school housing a 26 place nursery, and offering wide ranging and valuable community facilities and forms part of the 'Extended Schools Initiative'.

An efficient under-floor heating system delivered by a biomass boiler, recognised 'zero-carbon' technology, linked with natural ventilation systems, and solar thermal heating technology helps heat and maintains temperature throughout the school. The majority of classrooms open out onto external teaching spaces which are designed specifically to maximise natural daylight and the new school's green roof enhances the visual landscape, as well as delivering a number of additional ecological and environmental benefits.

Birchen Coppice Headteacher, Mrs Liane Billingsley, stated: "We have a fantastic school! The children are so proud of it. It looks beautiful but also gives us a great opportunity for enhancing our curriculum. The whole community, parents, friends and neighbours have commented on how special it is. We now need to look after it so that it becomes a centre piece for the area and a valuable asset for future generations."

Costing in excess of £5 million, the new building has a main reception and community café, both located at the front of a double height, glazed entrance hall which incorporates parent and interview rooms, rentable office spaces, a new studio for joint provision of larger gatherings and community or school meetings, and all easily accessible from one central area. The school will also house a permanent base for the Community Police Unit, to assist with community links, school support and local residents' enquiries.