Work begins on build of new Ribblesdale school

Work has begun on site at a new net-zero primary school in Ribblesdale.

The construction and public sector team at Equans has been selected to deliver the project on behalf of Lancashire County Council.

Modular build techniques will be employed, meaning that work can be undertaken offsite before being assembled on location. This allows for a faster build time compared to traditional construction methods.

The school has been designed to be carbon neutral and will feature a ground source heat pump as a sustainable source of heat and hot water. Solar PV will be installed on the roof, which will generate power for the school.

Equans has been working with the local community, including delivering its Industry Insights session to 145 students from Ribblesdale High School. Two apprenticeships have been created for students at Preston College.

The start of the work was marked with a ceremony attended by pupils and teachers from Ribblesdale High School, representatives from Lancashire County Council and cabinet member for education and skills, Coun Jayne Rear.

Coun Jayne Rear said: "This innovative new primary school will deliver much-needed places for children in the Ribble Valley. We are constantly working hard to identify where more school places are needed, as we want every child in Lancashire to have access to the best possible education. We aim to deliver these school places in the most efficient way.

"We want the very best for Lancashire's children and young people as part of our pledge to make the county the best place to live. We must ensure that when construction is needed then it is done in an environmentally friendly way, contributing towards the goal of making the county net zero for future generations."

Work is due to complete in August 2023.