A REBUILT school in Nelson has been shortlisted for a national award.

Whitefield Infant School and Nursery, which has increased its capacity and upgraded its facilities, is a finalist in the prestigious Society for Public Architecture, Construction, Engineering and Surveying (SPACES) Civic Building of the Year competition.

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The national competition, which is now in its 13th year, rewards excellence in design and construction and recognises the role clients, designers and builders have played in the creation. The new school building was designed in-house by Lancashire County Council’s Design and Construction team.

The awards ceremony will take place on November 6 in Bristol.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, the cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “I’m so impressed by the quality of the new school and the superb teaching environment it creates for the pupils. The old school was located close by on the other side of the canal.

“Unfortunately it needed updating and hadn’t got the places available required for the growing population. “The decision was made that a school with better facilities and places available to meet the growing demand would be the most efficient way forward.

“A site nearby was chosen, but there were many issues with it that we had to sort out first. The site sloped and it was crossed by a sewer network. Also some unoccupied houses had to be demolished.

“Consideration of the local environment has been extremely important with this new build, not least because it is in the centre of a conservation area. Building materials were chosen that matched the stone and slate of the surrounding terraced houses.

“The new building steps down with the slope of the hillside and the school offices were located on street level with the classrooms lower. Congratulations to everyone who has played a part in this. Such a fantastic learning environment has been made for our children.”

Eleven other projects have been shortlisted.