A HUGE milestone has been reached on Basildon’s new £10.6million primary school and nursery ahead of its opening this year.

A topping out ceremony has been held for the sustainable Chapel Hill school, located on George Street.

It is set to provide 476 pupils with a modern learning environment when it opens in September.

The two-storey building will have classrooms, a library, a main hall, a nursery, and dedicated science and design technology rooms.

There will also be a full production kitchen and a SEN therapy room.

The project is being managed by Pick Everard, which has worked alongside Barnes Construction and Essex County Council to bring the school to life.

John Clarke, director at Pick Everard, said: “Delivering inspirational educational settings is a key part of our strategy.

“We not only consider the benefits of today but also the long-term impact on the community, and Chapel Hill is exemplary of the way in which it integrates two key learning stages within one multi-use environment, with added sustainability measures.

“By providing a facility where children can thrive and grow, we are also helping to address the future educational and social needs of the area.

“With the project now in the final stages of construction, we’re very much looking forward to its grand opening, as well as the facility being used for generations to come.”

The school has been designed with sustainability in mind and has been fitted with air-source heat pumps, energy-efficient LED lighting, and natural ventilation units with heat recovery.

The ceremony was attended by Tony Ball, Essex County Council cabinet member for education excellence, lifelong learning and employability.

He said: “Everything about this school is cutting edge, from the solar-panelled roof to the structural insulated panels in the fabric of the building.

“No stone is being left unturned in our pursuit of eco-friendliness.”

Sue Jackson, CEO of Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust, said: “The topping out ceremony marks the significant progress that has been made in building our new state-of-the-art school.

“Chapel Hill will, like its sister Lee Chapel, quickly become a centre of educational excellence that is the jewel in Basildon’s crown.”