Kingsway Community Primary School: enhancing education through collaboration
Warwickshire County Council has successfully delivered a major £7.8 million redevelopment of Kingsway Community Primary School in Leamington Spa through the Medium Works Framework which we manage on behalf of contracting authority The Education Alliance Trust. Delivered by Ashe Construction, the multi-phase scheme forms part of the council’s ongoing investment in modern, sustainable education facilities and was supported by Salix Finance to improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term operational costs
A phased approach to minimise disruption
Delivered across five phases over a 90-week period, the project was carefully planned to allow the school to remain operational throughout construction. The works included:
- A new school hall and dining area complete with kitchen and servery
- A dedicated Children and Family Centre offering flexible support for families and young people aged 0–19
- A new 50-space car park with EV charging, including four accessible bays
- Enhanced corridors and connectivity to link new and existing buildings
To maintain safety and continuity, Ashe Construction created a temporary access road and separate entrance for the children’s centre, ensuring pupils and staff could continue daily routines without disruption.
Sustainable design for future generations
Designed by AHR Architects, the new facilities incorporate low-energy solutions such as LED lighting, renewable heating and ventilation systems, and efficient air-source heat pumps housed in purpose-built plant rooms. These measures ensured compliance with Salix funding requirements and long-term operational savings for the school.
Environmental stewardship was also a key focus. A wildlife corridor has been created to enhance biodiversity and ensure that the redevelopment delivers a positive ecological impact on the surrounding area.
Building community spirit
From day one, collaboration and community engagement were at the heart of the project. Ashe Construction, the school, and multiple stakeholders worked closely to ensure smooth delivery, clear communication, and mutual respect.
To celebrate the completion, pupils presented site manager Sam Butler with a handmade toolbox filled with thank-you notes, while Ashe donated ‘Ashely bears’ to the children as a token of appreciation. The construction team also led a social value initiative to repaint and refresh the school’s existing reception area, joining forces with subcontractors and pupils to give the building a vibrant new look.
Sara Hartshorn, Headteacher, Kingsway Community Primary School, said: “The whole team have done their level best to make things as safe as possible and minimise disruption throughout the project. They’ve been fantastic. What made it even more special was the way the project brought everyone together, creating a real sense of pride and inclusion.”
Collaboration in action
This project exemplifies how the Medium Works Framework enables local authorities to engage trusted contractors and deliver complex, multi-phase projects efficiently. Through partnership, sustainability, and social value, the Kingsway Community Primary School redevelopment demonstrates how public procurement can unlock meaningful community outcomes.
Elliott Talbot, Pagabo Framework Manager, said: “Kingsway Community Primary School is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through true collaboration. By using the Medium Works Framework, Warwickshire County Council was able to engage a quality contractor quickly and deliver a complex, multi-phase project with minimal disruption. It’s great to see how the scheme not only enhanced learning facilities but also created lasting community value.”
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