Morrison Construction have successfully installed the 260-tonne steel frame of the Letham Mains Primary School project, marking a key milestone in the €8.6 million development.

The superstructure, including steel work, pre-cast concrete installation and a first-floor reinforced concrete slab, was completed during a 10-week schedule. More than 1,400 components were installed to complete the steel frame.

During the earlier stages of the steel installation, two cranes were utilised to assist the project team with fixing the main sections of the frame.

Morrison Construction Project Director Jim Hanna, said: "It is wonderful to reach this important project milestone. The steel frame has created an outline of the building allowing the community to appreciate how the school will fit into the new development. Now the superstructure has been completed we will progress the ground floor slabs, roofing, cladding and glazing work.

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"Our team has enjoyed taking part in community benefit activities including donating to the local foodbank, hosting work experience students, site tours and visiting schools to educate pupils about the industry. We will continue to work closely with the community during construction."

Cabinet member for Education and Children's Services, Councillor Shamin Akhtar, also said: "It's really exciting to see the progress that's being made on our newest primary school. Having the steel frame in place gives a better idea of the size and scale of the building and the facilities that the school will offer for children and their families.

"I'm also pleased to see the amount of engagement that Morrison Construction is undertaking within the local community to ensure the benefits of the project are already being felt."

Letham Mains Primary School, will have a capacity for 500 pupils, with 14 classrooms suitable for pre-school and primary teaching, a dining hall, social space and a two-court PE hall with retractable seating for performance and community use. The external areas will be designed for outdoor learning, PE and play.

The school is being funded entirely by contributions from developers as a requirement for planning approval for 800 new homes at Letham Mains.

Construction is due to be completed in Summer 2020.

(MH/CM)