Second phase of Merton primary school expansion scheduled

The second phase of the Dundonald Primary School expansion will soon be underway after Merton Council awarded the contract to the work to builders Kind and Company.

Work is set to start in March for the final stage of the school's expansion, with Kind and Company beginning the project once the phase one external works are completed. The plans are for the old pavilion in the park to be replaced with a brand new two-storey building.

This building will include a hall for community groups, up-to-date changing facilities and a local sports club. Extra classrooms will also be constructed, as well as a new school hall to be used by children at the primary school.

Kind and Company have also agreed to complete the final external works, which will see the construction of a large children's public playground, three tennis courts and a green gym.

Overall, the project will make more places at Dundonald Primary School available. This expansion is part of Merton Council's £80 million investment, which will see top schools across the borough expanded so as to allow more children to attend classes close to where they live.

The council has committed to creating an extra 2,000 places in schools across Merton within the next four years, making it easier for parents to enroll children within their catchment area, as opposed to having to commute to classes.

Merton Council cabinet member for education Councillor Martin Whelton said: "This is a very exciting phase in our work to provide more children living in the area the opportunity to be educated at an outstanding school. We are facing unprecedented numbers of children living in Merton and we are committed to offering as many of them as possible the chance to benefit from an excellent education near to where they live."

In 2013, the council was only able to offer places to pupils that lived within 106 metres of the school, continued Councillor Whelton. However, once work is completed, more local children will be able to attend the primary school.

Published 5th January, 2015

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