THE £5MILLION expansion of Coventry’s Finham Park School is now complete and was celebrated last week with an opening ceremony.
Members of Coventry City Council, the multi-academy trust and project team all attended the event.
The scheme was part of the council and Secondary Headteacher Partnership’s agreement to ensure sufficient school places in the city, focusing on the not only capacity but also the facilities offered.
An additional 180 students can now attend the school following the expansion.
Coun Dr Kindy Sandhu, the council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, thanked everyone involved, adding he was delighted to see the work completed.
“I’m sure the pupils and staff at Finham Park are very excited to enjoy these new facilities.
“It’s fantastic to see such great transformations that will no doubt create a much-improved environment to learn in. ”
A new 1450sqm, two-storey state-of-the-art performing arts block was included in the works, boasting two music classrooms, three practice rooms, a music production suite and a dance and drama studio.
Five additional general teaching rooms were also added in the build which can also double-up as exam space.
And there is dining space for up to 180 pupils, a state-of-the-art kitchen, careers hub, office and group work spaces.
Finham Park School headteacher Chris Bishop said the trust was delighted to have worked in partnership with the city council and Speller Metcalfe to deliver the ‘world class’ learning space.
The building will be named ‘The Peter Burns Performing Arts Centre’ in honour of Peter Burns MBE who has served the school and trust as a governor for more than 35 years in various capacities.
Mr Bishop added: The new build is already having great impact with three live, student led performances being produced last term.
“Students are now using the music recording studios, practice rooms, cafeteria, first floor outdoor terrace and drama and dance studio to great effect.”
The exam space can also be used as a training venue for staff and colleagues across the trust and the city.
The project has also increased sports provision with an additional football pitch, a relocated cricket square and new cricket nets.
Rob Lashford, Speller Metcalfe’s divisional director, said: “Demand for increased facilities to cater for rising pupil numbers is something we’re seeing more of and it’s important that the expansions meet the needs of both our clients and the students.”
He added the company always felt rewarded when completing projects which had a positive impact on local communities and future generations.
