Work has started on what will be Leeds’ most environmentally friendly primary school.
Bankside Primary School in Harehills will be demolished and a replaced by a new £9.1 million building.
The school will use renewable energy sources such as a ground source heat pump, which draws heat from the ground to help heat the building. It will have solar hot water heating and photovoltaic cells, which capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity.
The modern building, developed by Kier Northern, is due to be ready in November 2010 and will keep its existing name.
The three-form entry school will provide modern teaching accommodation for up to 630 pupils, along with a 52-place nursery and facilities for local residents.
The project team - made up of Leeds City Council, Education Leeds, Kier Northern and the Strategic Design Alliance - is aiming for a ‘very good’ rating from international environmental assessors BREEAM.
