Steel-framed Harlow school tops out

St Mark’s West Essex Catholic School, in Harlow, has celebrated a major milestone in its redevelopment with a topping out ceremony, marking the completion of the highest point of construction.

The project is being delivered by Kier Construction on behalf of the Department for Education, as part of the government’s Schools Rebuilding Programme. Haley Engineering is fabricating, supplying and erecting the steelwork.

On completion, pupils and staff will benefit from an 8,800m² energy-efficient new school building, which will replace the existing facilities.

The new net zero in operation school building will provide sports areas, specialist drama facilities, a food technology room, design technology and information technology classrooms, in addition to Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) provision.

Tom Martin, Regional Director of Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement for all involved and represents an important step in creating a modern teaching and learning environment for staff and pupils.

“Progress on the school continues at pace and we are proud to work in partnership with the Department for Education to deliver this first-class school.”

John Taylor, Headteacher of St Mark’s West Essex Catholic School, added: “It has been really exciting to watch the new building emerge from the ground and it is a great cause of celebration to reach this point. The new building will provide students of St Mark’s, both now and for generations to come, with an exceptional learning facility. We look forward to delivering high-quality education in this outstanding building.”