Plans to rebuild a Bolton primary school destroyed by a devastating fire more than three years ago are progressing, the council has confirmed.
SS Simon and Jude CE Primary School, on Newport Road in Great Lever, was extensively damaged when a huge fire tore through the building on August 17, 2023.
At the height of the blaze, 17 fire engines were called to tackle the flames, with thick black smoke visible for miles across Bolton.
The fire destroyed almost all of the school’s buildings, leaving hundreds of pupils without their usual classrooms just weeks before the start of the new academic year.
Now, more than three years later, Bolton Council has provided an update on plans for a permanent replacement.
A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “Work to provide a permanent replacement for the SS Simon & Jude CE Primary School is progressing and the council is in regular contact with the academy trust and the Department for Education who are leading the project.
“In the meantime, pupils continue to learn in high-quality and fully equipped temporary classrooms.
“The community response following the August 2023 fire was outstanding and we would like to thank neighbours, teachers, pupils and families for their continued patience.”
Following the fire, pupils were initially split across different sites while emergency arrangements were put in place.
However, in December 2023, hundreds of children were reunited at a temporary school village built on the original site.
The development included modular classrooms, toilets, offices and dining facilities, allowing pupils and teachers to return to learning together.
Bolton and DfE committed to a rebuild
According to previously published Bolton Council documents, the Department for Education committed to funding and building a permanent replacement through its School Rebuilding Programme.
The documents stated that work on developing the scheme began in early 2025, with technical advisers appointed to help progress the plans.
At that stage, the project was expected to take approximately three years, with completion anticipated in the second quarter of 2028.
The council’s latest statement does not confirm whether that timetable remains on track or when construction of the permanent building will begin.
The school, which is part of Vantage CE Academies Trust, has continued operating from its temporary accommodation while plans for the replacement building progress.
Source: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/bolton-primary-school-rebuild-three-040000099.html
(Image: GMCA)