School building work stopped as contractors fold

Work on Hempland Primary School in York ceased abruptly on Friday

Building work at a York primary school has ended after a construction company hired for a new extension went into administration.

Work began on the two-storey building at Hempland Primary School in Heworth in May, but it was confirmed ISG Construction would close with all sites to be cleared.

A school spokesperson said the news was "disappointing" and they were working with the Department for Education to find a solution.

ISG Construction has been approached by the BBC for comment.

Construction equipment remained in place near the school after ISG went into administration

The spokesperson for Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust, which runs Hempland Primary, said: "Our thoughts go out to the staff who were employed on our project.

"The team had very much become a part of our school community during their time on site."

Earlier workers were seen leaving the school and taking their equipment with them.

Plans for the building were approved by City of York Council’s planning committee last November, and were to include "state-of-the-art facilities" such as a main hall, kitchen, library, staff room and reception.

Pathfinder previously said the current building had "reached the end of its functional life".

The company's temporary office on site was empty

Hempland Primary School was awarded a place on the government's School Rebuilding Programme, which carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects in schools and colleges across England.

The Department for Education said it had "implemented detailed contingency plans" and affected departments were working to ensure sites were safe and secure.

It also said it had a "strong formal process" for managing suppliers in financial stress and all schools affected would continue to deliver "face-to-face education".

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