Former Independent School’s Association Eco School of the Year Greenbank Preparatory School is to start work on a new state of art eco-friendly £500,000 classroom block.
The innovative school on Heathbank Road in Cheadle Hulme was originally opened in 1951 and since the Millennium has been taking on successive new build projects to enhance facilities.
The latest is their new Year One Reception classroom block which has been designed by Manchester’s award-winning architects Walker Simpson.
John Piercy Holroyd, Associate Director of Walker Simpson, said: The new building is designed and will be built to be extremely energy efficient. The external envelope of the building is highly insulated with a striking pitched roof form that allows natural light and ventilation via high level opening lights, coupled with energy efficient underfloor heating via an air source heat pump so that there is more room for classroom display to the walls. There will be a covered hangar space leading to the garden to allow for outdoor classes and play in most weathers.”
The work will begin over the Easter holidays and is expected to be completed by the end of October, with the Year One class moving to free space in the school’s new media suite while work is completed.
Greenbank Headmaster Malcolm Johnson said: “We have been discussing the project with Walker Simpson over the last year and are delighted with their proposals which meet our policies on sustainability.
“The development shows great faith in the future and is another signal of a strong, innovative school moving into the future with confidence and creativity.”