BELGRAVE Primary School in Chester has a new look.

The school, in Five Ashes Road, Westminster Park, has undergone a refurbishment following its change of status from an infant to a primary school in September 2008.

The school was built in 1967 and improvement work included damp proofing, a new roofing system with insulation, new windows and doors, ramped access to classrooms, additional emergency lighting and a new fire alarm. The plan included the installation of a temporary classroom, enabling one classroom at a time to be upgraded.

Headteacher Deanne Garratt said: “The school now has classrooms that have been designed by the teachers, an ICT suite, an extended multi -functional staffroom and cooking area, music room and new offices. This has all been created by adding a small extension but mainly by rearranging existing space.”

The scheme of work was funded by Chester West and Chester’s children’s services and planned maintenance with some aspects funded from the school’s devolved budget. This is part of the local authority’s 10 year capital programme to replace and remodel accommodation in schools and children’s settings.

Pupils and staff held a special assembly to thank those involved in the refurbishment, which was carried out by Conlon Construction. They sang a song composed for the occasion by music teacher Jane Williams.

Mrs Garratt added: “The success of the project has been due to the willingness of all involved to pull together. The 18th Chester Scout group, whose headquarters are adjacent to the school, has provided essential car parking space and access to utilities for the builders.

“The contractors have been working at the school for 18 months and have been adept at working around the school’s timetable and events. All contractors on site have worn a hi-visibility vest printed with a bee which is the school’s logo.

“There have been weeks when corridors were closed and sections of the school were only accessible by creating safe walkways outside which became known as ‘blue sky corridors.’”

Guests at the assembly included planning and maintenance manager Barry Smalley, project officer Rob Jones, Cheshire West and Cheshire children’s services liaison manager David Grainger, the team from Conlon Construction, chartered building surveyor David Trowler and school governors.

Don’t miss next week’s Celebrations section when we will be launching our First Class feature with a photograph of the new reception class at Belgrave. On sale Thursday, September 22.