A new outdoor learning space has been opened adjacent to Kirkby Church of England Primary School with the support of GMI Construction Group.
GMI has donated £2,000 to help create The Woodlands Project on a previously derelict piece of land.
This will provide a safe, outdoor learning environment for pupils at Kirkby CofE and other schools in Kirkby.
You can find out more about the project here.
GMI has been working in partnership with the Council to deliver the new 94,000 sq ft Kirkby Town Centre retail development, which features a new 45,000 sq ft Morrisons superstore, petrol filling station and retail units including Home Bargains and a drive-thru KFC and Taco Bell restaurants.
Speaking about the initiative GMI Divisional Managing Director Marc Banks said: “Thanks to GMI’s support the school, and other schools in Kirkby, will have the benefit of this important recreational facility coming back to life. This initiative is an important community investment and contributes a great deal towards the overall transformation of Kirkby as part of the retail development.
“This has been an important project for GMI and we’ve enjoyed working with the school. In spite of us completing the retail development in Kirkby next month, we definitely intend to maintain our relationship and look forward to supporting social and community initiatives further.”
Mair Hindmarch, Headteacher at Kirkby Church of England Primary School said: “I’m delighted that The Woodland Project has officially opened today, providing a great opportunity for our pupils, as well as pupils from other schools in Kirkby, to benefit from the great outdoors, exploring nature and improving their self-esteem. Despite a very challenging 18 months, our pupils have been actively engaged in this project at every step and they too are delighted to be able to use this outdoor space. Thank you to GMI Construction for turning this unused space into a fantastic outdoor learning facility and helping our young people to plant, grow, make, share and learn.”
Cllr Margaret Harvey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, cut the ribbon on the new facility. She said: “I’m delighted to see this woodland area completely transformed into a usable learning space, which can be enjoyed by everyone at Kirkby CofE Primary School as well as other primary school children in the local community. The great outdoors is a fantastic backdrop for exploring, learning, sharing and igniting new interests. I know it will be a really well-used facility and will prove to be a valuable resource for our school children in Kirkby.”