Foundations laid for school that is Strictly state-of-the-art!

The foundations have been laid for the new state-of-the-art Keir Hardie Primary School, which forms the heart of the Fife Road regeneration scheme in Custom House.

And the facilities will be shared with locals for a variety of community uses… even including a dance studio.

Sir Robin Wales, the Mayor of Newham and Mr Richard Cherry, deputy chairman of Countryside Properties, laid the first foundations of the new Keir Hardie School at a special ceremony.

The school in Fife Road which was recently rated ‘good’ in an Ofsted inspection, is the focal point of a 649-home development by Countryside Properties who are providing £7.38 million towards the cost of the new school.

This whole scheme is part of the £3.7 billion Canning Town and Custom House Regeneration Programme.

The new three-storey school will include a playground with multi-use games area, creche, nursery, hall, dance studio and roof garden with weather centre.

The building will accommodate 420 children aged between three and 11. The facilities will be shared with local residents for a variety of community uses and events. Activities for babies and children up to the age of five, adult learning and family support will also be available.

Sir Robin Wales said: “The Canning Town and Custom House regeneration programme is helping to transform the area into a sustainable, mixed community where people choose to live, work and stay. Keir Hardie School is at the heart of the community in Fife Road and this new building will provide modern facilities for its children and other residents.

“The redevelopment of this area is very positive and it’s good to see families who were temporarily rehoused have been able to move back.”