Handover of brand new school marks first milestone in town regeneration

Construction of state-of-the-art school Eaton Valley Primary in West Bromwich is now complete and community chiefs gathered to celebrate the handover of the keys from developer Tesco to Sandwell MBC and school head teacher, Keith Shilton.

The five million-pound school will provide 12 classrooms and two reception rooms for over 300 pre-school and primary school age children. The school also boasts a range of cutting edge sustainable features, complemented by the beautiful surroundings of Dartmouth Park and Sandwell Valley Country Park.

Building work on the school began in August last year, with local building contractor Interserve leading the schedule, along with several local contractors and tradesmen to bring the scheme to fruition.

The ceremony saw Councillor Ian Jones, cabinet member for education, witnessed the hand over keys to the school from contractor Interserve and Tesco to Sandwell MBC and the Local Education Authority.

Cllr Jones said: "This is an important step to improve education facilities of our children in Sandwell. Eaton Valley will provide its pupils with a fresh, light, spacious space that is tailored to their every need."

Head teacher Keith Shilton added, "So many people have worked tirelessly to bring the school to life in time for the September term and it is great to finally have the keys in my hand. We are excited to now be putting together the final touches to our new home."

The provision of Eaton Valley Primary School is part of the wider regeneration of West Bromwich, which is poised to undergo a huge transformation that will see a brand new 13,400 sq m gross Tesco Environmental Format store and petrol filling station, with an additional 20,700sqm of additional retail and leisure space.

The final detailed planning application for the town centre scheme has been submitted to Sandwell Council with a decision expected at the end of this Summer. It is hoped that construction work on site can start in Spring 2010 with first phase completed in Autumn 2011.

Tony Fletcher, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, witnessed the handover. He said: "The school looks fantastic and it gives me an enormous sense of pride that we have delivered an outstanding school that will set a high standard for schools in the future. We look forward to seeing the children enjoy their new school for years to come."

Cllr Bob Badham, Cabinet member for Regeneration and Transport, also attended the handover ceremony. He said: "Times really are changing for West Bromwich and I hope local people will celebrate this project as something that provides a real asset to the town and to the educational provision in the area. There are many things to look forward to in the coming months and we are delighted to see the first phase in the regeneration plans come to fruition."

Karen Walker, Chief Executive of RegenCo, said: "This is another milestone in the overall regeneration of West Bromwich. The school illustrates the care, attention and details being taken to provide the town with outstanding new facilities, that will provide a legacy and create future prosperity to the area."