Topping Out at Poplar Farm

19th December 2017

The construction of Poplar Farm Primary School reached a significant milestone on Tuesday 19th December, when a topping out ceremony took place.

The topping out of the school marked the completion of the building's superstructure and top-level roof. This is the project's biggest milestone since ground breaking in the spring.

The £8m project, funded by Lincolnshire County Council, will meet the need for new school places in an area of growing population.

Representatives from Wates Construction, the contractor building the new school, and Peter Bell, Chief Executive Officer of C.I.T. Academies, the appointed education provider, joined Grantham’s Mayor, Cllr Mike Cook and the new school’s Principal and Governing Body to cement the final piece on the side of the building, which completed the structure. The attendees collectively placed a Yew Tree branch at the peak of the new building to celebrate the age-old tradition of topping out.

The project was procured through the empa framework, by procurement specialists Scape Group, a public sector organisation dedicated to creating ongoing efficiency and social value via the built environment.

Peter Bell, CEO of C.I.T. Academies, commented: “C.I.T. is very pleased with the progression of the build. This topping out ceremony was a great opportunity to celebrate with all parties involved.

I have no doubt that Poplar Farm School will become an invaluable addition to Grantham, meeting the needs for the town’s growing population, as generated by the Newton’s Place housing development.

We are looking forward to welcoming our first reception children through the doors in September 2018.”

As the project continues, Wates will continue to use a local supply chain and provide training and employment opportunities for members of the local community.

Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Children's Services, said: "We have supported this important project for local children with significant funding and are pleased to see the new school building taking shape quickly. It will give more choice for children and parents as well as providing additional school places for families moving into the new housing development. We look forward to seeing the new school open in September 2018 for the whole community to benefit from."

As the project continues, Wates will continue to use a local supply chain and provide training and employment opportunities for members of the local community.

The new 420 capacity school will cater for 4 – 11 year olds and is being built with modern learning in mind. There will be break-out rooms built alongside the classrooms for individual quiet learning, along with a large indoor sports hall.  The school has been designed to introduce as much natural light as possible and will come complete with outstanding outdoor facilities including playing fields, multi-use sport courts, and modern outdoor play areas.

Poplar Farm School is due for completion in August next year and will open for Reception Class pupils in September 2018.

Parents can apply for a reception place via the LA - https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/parents/schools/school-admissions