Springmoor Grange School, Spennymoor

Springmoor Grange School in Spennymoor replaced Ox Close Primary and Nursery, as Esh Construction’s build division provided 21 classrooms and specialist learning spaces in a state-of-the-art new education hub.

Esh’s civil engineering team delivered extensive groundworks for Springmoor Grange School to facilitate the construction of a modern primary and nursery facility for 682 children, ensuring a high-quality, sustainable education provision.

Collaborating with Billinghurst George and Partners, Howarth Litchfield and Desco, Esh designed a sustainable main building featuring photovoltaic panels, permeable paving, and advanced environmental systems. The project also featured innovative construction techniques and digital site management, ensuring efficiency and safety throughout delivery.

The fit-out internally included first and second fix joinery as 21 new teaching classrooms, a nursery, learning community suite, library, office spaces, staff room, toilet facilities, changing rooms, hall, and dining and kitchen facilities were installed. 

Esh Civils’ scope included earthworks, cut and fill balance, foundations, drainage with an 850m³ storage tank, gas membrane installation, and new access roads. Tree protection measures were put in place for trees on the site boundary, avoiding disturbance and damage to habitats.

During construction, Esh Build received a score of 43 out of 45 through the Considerate Constructors Scheme, underpinning our commitment to high standards of health and safety, quality workmanship, environmental responsibility, and community engagement.

At Springmoor Grange School, Esh Construction went beyond the building itself to make a real difference. More than 90% of the workforce came from the North East, including 24 Armed Forces veterans who brought invaluable skills to site. 

While the team shaped the school, our social value specialists shaped a local legacy by delivering employability workshops, from Construction in the Curriculum to our award-winning Get into STEM and Stay Safe programmes. 

More than 3600 hours of support into work was provided through our Building My Skills programme, while a total of 171 weeks of apprenticeship and T Level training were delivered as the development came to fruition.

Pupils enjoyed hands-on STEM activities and pebble painting for a school sensory garden, while families joined in at Spennymoor’s wellbeing-themed ‘Ox Fest’. We also funded football holiday camps and encouraged staff volunteering, reinforcing community ties.