WORK to build a new primary and secondary school in South Gloucestershire costing around £58.3 million is underway after significant delays.
The two schools will be built next to each other on the eastern end of Honeysuckle Road, Lyde Green.
Final funding agreements and contracts have now been signed in hopes of opening the new schools in September 2026, officials say.
The total project is being funded by South Gloucestershire Council who is spending nearly £24 million and more than £34.3 million is coming from the Department of Education.
Both schools, and the wider community, will also benefit from new shared-use sports facilities.
However, the project has experienced major delays in recent years.
It is understood this has been due to the pandemic and high inflation, leading to a significant rise in the scheme’s estimated cost.
The 420-place primary will be run by Castle School Education Trust (CSET), which already runs many sites in the area including Castle School, Marlwood School and Charfield Primary.
Meanwhile, the 900-place, 11-16 secondary school will be run by Olympus Academy Trust, which runs many schools including Winterbourne Academy.
SGC co-leader and cabinet member with responsibility for schools, Cllr Ian Boulton, said: “Since we formed the new administration last year our focus has been to finally deliver these vital schools.
“I am delighted that we are now able to see construction getting underway and that funding has been secured to deliver these brand-new schools for the local community.
“I would like to thank our officers and partners who have been working flat out in order to get to this point with a view to meeting the challenging deadlines we have set for ourselves.”
CEO of CSET, Will Roberts, said: "We are delighted that the construction of the second primary school for Lyde Green is finally underway.
“The first Lyde Green Primary School has grown rapidly since opening in 2015, and now has more than 500 pupils.
“Expanding onto a second site will enable us to provide a primary place for every child in the local community and we are looking forward to providing these much needed places once the new building is completed."
CEO of Olympus, Dave Baker, said: “It is with a sense of relief and excitement that we have reached the point where building can start, in order to deliver the high-quality schools that the community in Lyde Green so desperately needs and deserves now.
“We look forward to starting to engage with the local community in the lead-up to the completion and opening of the schools.”
Colin Money office of the South West Regional Schools director said: “The DfE are pleased to have supported this project and look forward to the opening of these schools to provide the additional places needed in this area.”
Tim Chell, Regional Director at BAM, said: “As we begin construction here in Lyde Green, we’re looking forward to delivering two highly sustainable new schools that will be built to Passivhaus standards.
“This will make them net zero carbon, efficient to run, and enjoyable places to learn. Sustainability will be central to our approach and the work we will undertake here is perfectly aligned to BAM’s commitment to building a sustainable tomorrow.”
Council officials say information regarding the admission application process for new reception and year seven places will be announced in due course.
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