Work to start on new building for junior school

A major project to rebuild Firside Junior School in Hellesdon is set to get under way in February. Plans for a rebuild of the school, a member of the Wensum Trust, were first revealed three years ago when it was included in a major multi-million pound scheme announced by the government.

NEW ERA: Headteacher Roz Robinson (centre left) is joined by Wensum Trust CEO Daniel Thrower, Norwich North MP Alice Macdonald and some of the school’s pupils to celebrate the announcement work is to start on the new building. Pictures: BARKING DOG MEDIA/PAUL TIBBS PHOTOGRAPHY

The detailed proposals for the carbon neutral building were approved by Broadland District Council last year and it is due to be completed by August next year.

The original school was built in 1937 and its replacement will be a two-storey building constructed on part of the current playing field. The old building will be demolished when the new one is fully complete.

Daniel Thrower, CEO of the Wensum Trust, said: “We are looking forward to work starting on our new school. It has taken a lot of work to get this far and I know our staff, children and the wider community are looking forward to a bright future for Firside Junior School.

“We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in getting the project over the line and ready for the contractors to move in, including MP Alice Macdonald and members of Hellesdon Parish Council.”

The state-of-the-art building will cater for 350 pupils and 31 staff, and the development will also include a multi-use games area.

Headteacher Roz Robinson said: “This is truly wonderful news that marks a pivotal moment for our entire community. The new facilities are specifically designed to be a school for the future, providing an inspiring learning environment that will benefit all our children, staff, families, and the wider community of Hellesdon for generations to come.

“We look forward to opening the doors to a new era of education at Firside Junior School. I would like to thank everyone who has helped us to make this possible.”

Norwich North MP Alice Macdonald helped the school celebrate the announcement of the start date on the new building.
She said: “I look forward to working with the Wensum Trust, the council and DfE (Department for Education) to ensure that the new school is built as quickly as possible and students have the very best learning environment.

The school was initially part of the second set of 50 schools selected by the DfE to be included in the School Rebuilding Programme, which was announced in July 2021.