By KLTV Newsdesk –
Construction has begun on the new extension of King James’s School, Almondbury.
The school is working with Kirklees Council on the 10-classroom block that is being built on the St Helen’s Gate site. The council says the extension is costing £5.25 million and is part of their ongoing project to improve school facilities in the local area.
The new facilities will be open to pupils in January 2022 and, when complete, will benefit thousands of current and future students.
The contractor has moved onto the site this week and will make the most of the school’s Easter holidays to make a start on the build.
David Shepherd, Kirklees Council’s Strategic Director for Growth and Regeneration, said: “We are committed to providing high-quality facilities for pupils to enjoy both now and in the future.
“It is great to see that the build on the King James’s School extension is now underway and it will be exciting to see how quickly the new block takes shape.”
He added that the new building is also designed to be highly energy-efficient.
As well as the new block, the school will see internal works carried out that will lead to an extended dining hall, a new Science laboratory, and extended PE changing rooms, improving the school for all pupils.
The project is one of those that were approved by the Kirklees Council Cabinet last year, as part of a £6.5 million boost to school facilities in South Kirklees.
The investment will fund projects at a range of primary, middle, secondary and special schools in the district.