Up, up and away

A £1m transformation of a Blackburn primary school has been unveiled with a balloon race.

Griffin Park Primary has been re-modelled as part of a £15m programme of school improvement works across the region. To celebrate, the school hosted an open day for all staff, past and present, children, parents and governors.

A team from our Blackburn office (Su Sealby, Catherine Cramsie, Duncan Clement, Gavin Lang and Ryan Skehan) was responsible for the overall design, project, program and contract management of the construction works which involved remodelling the interior of the school with a new extension housing an improved entrance, reception, offices, circulation, staff and pupil facilities.

The celebrations started with a balloon race, with a prize for the furthest travelling one, followed by a buffet and tour for visitors.

Head teacher Catherine Grady-Clayton said: "The improvement to the buildings has made an amazing impact on the feel of our school. The staff, the children, the parents all comment on how wonderful it looks, and what a fantastic place it now is to work. It has given us a real buzz to work in such a lovely environment, and we all feel very special and very lucky for being part of Griffin ParkSchool."

Councillor Chris Thayne, executive member for children's services, added: "I am delighted to see the work has now been completed. The buildings now do justice to the quality of learning that takes place within. This investment will have a huge impact on helping children to achieve their potential and have a happy, healthy and safe childhood."

Duncan Clement, building surveying manager from Capita Symonds, who led the design team, said: "We understand the importance of creating exciting spaces in which young people can learn and it is a pleasure to know that we are truly benefiting young people in the area."

Work has been completed as part of Blackburn with Darwen's capital programme for 2009/2010, which includes a range of large and smaller projects to improve and develop schools and other buildings.