Lea Hough has helped a school in Lancashire to obtain funding for an expansion project in the latest round of CIF funding (2022-23). The project at Castercliff Primary School, part of the Pendle Education Trust group of academy schools, will see the school create two new large classrooms, boys and girls toilets, corridor and circulation space, as well as associated external works to paths and play areas. The new floorspace extends to 207m2, with 194m2 of associated external works.
The project is particularly noteworthy due to highly coveted nature of CIF funding for expansion projects. The vast majority of projects that are funded via the Department for Eduaction’s CIF fund are for condition-based works – ie. improvements to existing buildings, services and infrastructure. Only around 15% of the total £498m fund is allocated to expansion projects.
In order to obtain CIF funding for an expansion project, the school itself must be rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. Furthermore, the CIF application must demonstrate the need for expansion – for example, if floor space is required to increase the number of admissions or to address overcrowding.
Lea Hough undertook Space Analysis at the school and were able to use pupil data to demonstrate the need for the extension. The project, which already has planning permission in place, is due to commence in 2023, with full Project Management being undertaken by the Lea Hough team.
Commenting on the successful bid, Adam Whalley, Estates Manager for Pendle Education Trust, said:
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the CIF bid for Castercliff Primary School.
“The expansion project will make a real difference to the learning environment at the school and our staff, children and parents are excited at the prospect of the new facilities and additional space.
“Thanks to Lea Hough, two of our other schools have also received funding for improvement projects. We are very grateful for their expertise and support.”
Funding for the expansion project at Castercliff Primary School is just one of the bids that Lea Hough had approved in the 2022-23 CIF funding round. Over thirty projects at schools across Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Warrington, including safeguarding projects, roofing projects, window replacements, electrical re-wiring and new LED lighting, fire safety improvement works, Asbestos removal, heating replacement/upgrades, will now be able to go ahead using Government funds.
For more information on Lea Hough’s services in the education sector, and in obtaining CIF funding, please contact Michael Harrison or Paul Dignan on 01254 260196.
