Esh starts on phase one of Greenfield Academy works
Construction has begun on a three-storey block and sports centre extension at the school in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
Esh Construction is working alongside Durham County Council, Howarth Litchfield Architects, Billinghurst George & Partners, KYOOB, and Gemini on the scheme.
In total, more than £20m will be invested into the development of the whole campus, funded by the council and Advanced Learning Partnership, which Greenfield Academy recently joined.
Permission for the project was granted late last year, and will see the current school buildings replaced with modern, consolidated facilities due to open next autumn.
The three-storey building will provide 19 classrooms and hubs for IT, art, DT, and science. The extension to the sports centre will enable the local community to use the academy’s hall outside of school hours.
Four classrooms will be located on the ground floor with an extensive design and technology department, while the first floor will host 12 classrooms, staff rooms and three meeting rooms for staff use.
The Academy’s science department, with two studios, three laboratories, a preparation room and chemistry studio, will be on the second floor, along with a further three classrooms.
Externally, works will include a redesign of the car park to include 100 car and 46 bike spaces, with an additional playground and landscaped areas.
Executive headteacher James Keating said: “This new building represents more than just bricks and mortar—it’s an investment in our children’s future and the wider community.
“We are excited to create a space that supports academic excellence, creativity, and community engagement, and look forward to completion and moving in.”
Grant Watson, construction manager at Esh, said: “We understand the vital role that modern, inspiring spaces play in shaping student success, and we are committed to building environments where young people can thrive.
“This project is another example of our collaborative partnership with Durham County Council and local education providers, and we look forward to delivering a hub that will benefit both students and the wider Newton Aycliffe community for years to come.”
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “Alongside specialist subject hubs, the sports centre extension will create even more opportunities for the wider community to access leisure and fitness activities.
“This will help to support their physical health and mental wellbeing and offer a fantastic space where residents can come together to take part in activities on a regular basis.”
