A new primary school has opened in the Bristol North Fringe to serve the growing demand from housing developments surrounding the former Filton Airfield.

Charlton Wood Primary Academy in Charlton Hayes was officially opened on Friday 13th September by head teacher Neil Lankester and South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet member for schools, skills and employment, Cllr Erica Williams.

The school has been built on the Northfield part of the former airfield in Charlton Hayes, Patchway at a total cost of £6.25m and is being run by the Endeavour Academy Trust. It has been funded from Section 106 contributions that the council secured from housing developers who are building new homes on the former airfield.

In its first year, Charlton Wood Primary Academy is providing places for 90 pupils in Reception and Year One. Each year, 60 additional places will be created at the school until pupil intake reaches a maximum capacity of 420 in 2025.

Cllr Williams said:

“It is fantastic to see this state-of-the-art new school open to its first intake of students, in the heart of this new and growing community. Improving educational standards is our number one priority in South Gloucestershire and we want to make sure that our pupils have the best school facilities available that we are able to provide.”

Headteacher Neil Lankester said:

“The children have made a really great start to the school year and it has been lovely to finally see them engaging in learning on our fantastic site. Our founding families have been very supportive and we look forward to the year ahead!”

More: Council plans record investment into schools »

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Television favourite Fred Dinenage MBE – whose career has spanned over five decades – delighted local retirees with tales from his time on screen when he attended the official opening of McCarthy & Stone’s Hamilton House Retirement Living development in Charlton Hayes on 10th April.

The TV stalwart – whose varied career has seen him present shows including ‘How’, ‘How 2’ and ‘Pass The Buck’, as well as a long stint as news anchor on ITV Meridian – joined guests including homeowners, staff and members of the public to talk about his illustrious career.

Attendees heard first-hand about some of the breaking news stories he has reported over the years, as well as the many factual books he has written – and ghost written – including an autobiography on the infamous Kray Brothers.

Fred commented:

“It was a pleasure to visit the guests at Hamilton House and give a talk on my colourful television career. The development provides an excellent solution for those looking to enjoy an independent and active lifestyle in retirement, and I enjoyed meeting and chatting to homeowners. It’s clear everyone values the quality of life afforded by their surroundings and the freedom of having a range of services on their doorstep.”

Nicki Beswarick, marketing manager for McCarthy & Stone Southern, commented:

“We would like to thank Fred for taking the time to visit Hamilton House. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to quiz one of Britain’s longest-serving broadcasters, and to meet a familiar face who has been gracing their television screens for so many years.”

“This particular event is just one example of the many regular and varied social activities we organise for homeowners. Not only do these get-togethers provide an opportunity for companionship, they also help to showcase the fantastic close-knit community which has been created here.”

More: "Modern living and low-maintenance design" »

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Bristol construction firm Beard marked the start of works on the new Charlton Wood Primary Academy with an official ground-breaking ceremony carried out by new headteacher Neil Lankester.

Beard is working with Endeavour Academy Trust and South Gloucestershire Council on the delivery of the £5.6 million state-of-the-art academy which is being built on the North Field section of the old Filton Airfield in Charlton Hayes, Patchway.

The purpose-built academy will provide eight junior, four infant and two reception classrooms at the school – each equipped with its own cloakroom and storeroom. Future students will benefit from four breakout spaces which will support modern learning, plus a library, kitchen, offices, staff room and a large hall, complete with a stage.

Designed by South Gloucestershire Council and BBA Architects, the new school will also offer some exciting outdoor play facilities including an outdoor timber classroom with a grass mound amphitheatre, and a tepee village outdoor learning area. Beard will also build a 685sqm paved multi-use court for netball, tennis and other games, and a 4,030sqm grass ball-sports pitch.

More: New school set to open in September 2019 »

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Following the recent decisions by South Gloucestershire Council to approve McCarthy and Stone’s Retirement Living and Retirement Living Plus (Extra Care) proposals for the development of vacant scrubland, known locally as plots MU5 and MU6, at Charlton Hayes, Simon Mantell, the firm’s regional managing director, commented:

“We are delighted that our plans for much-needed Retirement Living and Extra Care accommodation in Charlton Hayes and the wider Patchway area have been approved by South Gloucestershire Council, subject to the signing of a section 106 agreements.”

“McCarthy & Stone has consulted with the local community to produce a scheme that contributes to the wider, rapidly changing Charlton Hayes area. The permission will now see two landmark age-exclusive developments constructed on a gateway into Charlton Hayes and on a key route into Cribbs Causeway.”

He added:

“We would like to thank the community and South Gloucestershire Council for their support and look forward to making these plans a reality, with construction to begin on site in the next few months.”

Plots MU5 and MU6 and are located at the southern end of Charlton Boulevard, close to Hayes Way [see map].

Image: Plot MU5 proposed south-east elevation (facing Hayes Way).

Source: Press release issued on behalf of McCarthy & Stone.

Related links:

• Planning application PT16/4975/F (plot MU6) | Erection of part three, part four storey building comprising of 60no. extra care apartments (Class C2 ) for the elderly…
• Planning application PT16/4976/F (MU5) | Erection of a part three, part four and part two storey building comprising 42no. Retirement Living apartments…

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