A new £10.6 million primary and nursery school in Basildon has reached a key construction milestone with the completion of its 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.

Representatives from Lee Chapel Multi Academy Trust, local councillors, and members of the project team also joined Cllr Ball at the ceremony.

Cllr Ball said: "I have very much enjoyed seeing the significant progress made in the construction of this school thanks to the hard work of Barnes Construction and Concertus.

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

Echo: (L to R) Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council; Sue Jackson, Lee Chapel Academy Trust; Dan Mackenzie, Barnes Construction (L to R) Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council; Sue Jackson, Lee Chapel Academy Trust; Dan Mackenzie, Barnes Construction (Image: Pagepix)

The event also marked the installation of 242 photovoltaic (solar) panels.

The school, designed to reach NetZero in operation, will be entirely powered by electricity.

It will feature 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.

The building is structured with insulated panels which exceed building regulations requirements.

Cllr Ball added: "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, which will be run by Lee Chapel Multi Academy Trust, 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'll also be an outdoor multi-use games area and two grass football pitches are in the plans.

Sue Jackson, CEO of Lee Chapel Trust, who will run the new school, said: "The school will quickly become a centre of educational excellence that is the jewel in Basildon’s crown."