Seamans Building was thrilled to take part in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of Otley Primary School following a fire in the school’s toilets just before Christmas.

Following the fire, pupils were relocated to the nearby Witnesham Primary School while plans to renovate the school were put together.

Seamans Building, along with the design team, Concertus, Vertas Property Management Team, and Suffolk County Council, quickly set up temporary classrooms to provide the children with a safe learning environment while work to refurbish the school took place.

Last week the team behind the project reunited, joined by pupils, parents and school staff, for a grand reopening – cutting a ribbon to mark the completion of the school’s restoration.

The team behind the renovation project joined pupils, parents and staff at the reopening celebration. Credit: Concertus.

Donna Barford, Senior Quantity Surveyor at Seamans Building, said: “It has been a real privilege to be part of the team supporting the school during such a challenging time. 

“From swiftly relocating students to safe temporary classrooms to carefully restoring, refurbishing and enhancing the damaged building, it’s been a pleasure to work closely with the school staff, Concertus and Suffolk County Council to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for the pupils’ return.”

Hannah Evans, Executive Headteacher at both Otley and Witnesham primary schools, said: “Our two schools are linked under a shared Headteacher and a single governing body.

“Although each school retains its own unique identity, this was an extraordinary opportunity for teachers and pupils to come together and maximise learning for all pupils. 

“I am so grateful to our community for the incredible support shown and to the staff and children for their fantastic adaptability and ‘can do’ attitude.”

Once temporary classrooms were in place, works to rectify the fire and smoke damage included the complete strip-out of the hallway, toilets and offices, as well as extensive roof repairs.

Annett Thompson, Senior Project Manager at Concertus, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Hannah, who has been instrumental in our exceptional results on this project.

“Given the tight timelines, this accomplishment is remarkable and was made possible by outstanding communication and teamwork by all involved.”

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, children were given an overview of what works had taken place, along with insight into what a career in construction could look like.