Winchester school opens new facilities after a decade of planning (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Winchester school opens new facilities after a decade of planning

7:40am Thursday 9th February 2012 in News

AFTER a decade of hard work a Winchester school was finally able to unveil its new facilities.

Stanmore Primary School officially opened its £700,000 refit on Tuesday, January 31.

The improvements include a new kitchen, a new reception classroom, a story telling room, new toilets and improved P.E. equipment.

Headteacher Amanda Jones, who has been at the school for six years, said she had been determined to make changes since she arrived in Stanmore.

She said: “We had a “wonderful” 1929 nissan hut as a dining room which was not a very healthy place and we have been working with the county council for six years to make changes.

“What we have given up is a classroom for a new kitchen. We also get an additional classroom and a teaching space for early years learning.”

The improvements were finished in September, after a difficult year of work which saw the original contractor go into administration in December 2010 and subsequently three months of no work before another contractor took on the job.

Cllr Roy Perry, deputy leader of the county council, attended the opening and said he was thrilled to see the changes made.

He said: “These children are fortunate children because they go to an excellent school. I cannot take credit for it as it was councillor (David) Kirk who made these decisions but I’m delighted to be able to continue his work.”

The improvements were also a hit with the pupils.

Louis Howe, aged nine, a Year 5 student and school ambassador, said: “I really like the reception area and the story room; in fact I’m quite jealous I can’t use it!”