Sod-cutting ceremony marks start on site at Pearl Hyde Primary School in Coventry

Construction is officially underway at Pearl Hyde Primary School on Dorchester Way, Coventry, following a sod-cutting ceremony held this month.

The ceremony marked the beginning of works on site for the new £1.8 million education project being delivered by G F Tomlinson on behalf of Coventry City Council, and the event brought together representatives and key stakeholders to celebrate the milestone.

The scheme, which is scheduled for completion in August, is G F Tomlinson’s first project awarded by Coventry City Council through the Constructing West Midlands (CWM) Framework and works comprise a brand-new Early Years block with engaging learning and play spaces, a dedicated outdoor area, and two new offices. 

The current reception classroom is also being transformed into a bespoke SEND provision space with a connected sensory room to support a wider range of pupil needs.

Constructing West Midlands is a public sector procurement framework which serves the West Midlands and is a collaboration between Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Birmingham City Council and which is overseen by Acivico ltd.

In addition to delivering the new facilities, G F Tomlinson will be working closely with Coventry City Council and the local community to champion the region. By creating local employment opportunities, the project will help reduce unemployment, expand opportunities for local residents, and strengthen the local economy which will in turn foster stronger community engagement, enhance local knowledge, reduce carbon emissions through less travel, and deliver lasting positive impacts for the community.

Andy Sewards, Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to be on site at Pearl Hyde Primary School and to have marked the start of works with our sod-cutting ceremony alongside Coventry City Council and representatives of Constructing West Midlands, the school and wider project team.

“This project is particularly significant for us as it is our first appointment with Coventry City Council through the Constructing West Midlands Framework, and we are proud to be working in partnership to deliver modern, high-quality facilities that will support teaching and learning in the region, for years to come.”

Councillor Beatrice Christopher, Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “It is a pleasure to mark the start of work at Pearl Hyde Primary School. This building work will ensure that local children have the space and facilities to thrive at school and it is especially wonderful to see more SEND provision included as part of the plans. I look forward to seeing the finished works later this year!” 

Lara Sofoluwe, Associate Director at cost consultants, Pick Everard, said: “The sod cutting marks an important milestone for Pearl Hyde Primary School and reflects the strong collaboration between Coventry City Council, G F Tomlinson and the wider project team.

“The new classrooms will provide much-needed provision for children with SEND, helping to create an inclusive learning environment closer to home for children and their families. It’s been great to mark the occasion and now see construction underway as the project moves into its next phase.”