The topping out ceremony marks the completion of the highest point for the structure

Construction work on a new £10.6m primary and nursery school in Basildon, Essex, reached a key milestone recently with the completion of the roof.

The 476-place facility, set to serve the Wesley Green Development, is being built by Barnes Construction in collaboration with Concertus Design and Property Consultants.

The topping-out celebration was held on May 22, led by Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education excellence, lifelong learning, and employability.

He was joined by representatives from Lee Chapel Multi Academy Trust, local councillors, and members of the project team.

Cllr Ball said: “I have very much enjoyed seeing the significant progress made in the construction of this school.

“Everything about this school is cutting edge, from the solar-panelled roof to the structural insulated panels in the fabric of the building.”

The event to mark the completion of the roof also celebrated the installation of 242 photovoltaic (solar) panels.

The ceremony marked the installation of solar panels on the roof of the all-electric building. Image, Pagepix

The school, which has been designed to be net-zero carbon in operation, will be entirely powered by electricity, featuring an array of energy-saving resources, including air source heat pumps, variable temperature heating systems, energy-efficient LED lighting, and natural ventilation units with heat recovery.

It is also being built with insulated panels which exceed current building regulation requirements.

Cllr Ball said: “No stone is being left unturned in our pursuit of net zero.

“Through the capable hands of Lee Chapel Multi Academy Trust, local families will get to see their children thrive in first-class educational facilities with nearly 500 school places being made available.”

The facility will be run by Lee Chapel Multi Academy Trust and will provide 420 primary school places, as well as 56 early years spots.

The two-story building will house a central main hall, dividing the nursery from the primary school, 16 classrooms, and a library.

There will also be an outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA) and two grass football pitches.