A new extension for Whitehouse Primary School has been Highly Commended by the Ipswich Society in its annual awards’ ceremony.

Ipswich Star: Whitehousee Primary School receives its award from the Ipswich Society. The team receives its certificate from the Mayor of Ipswich. Darren Fellowes, Katherine Williams, Cath Anderson, Ipswich Mayor Sarah Barber, Tanya Griffiths, Paul West, David Rhymes, Sarah Hammond, Beth Licence, Simon Girling � Director SEH (French) and John Norman, Chairman of The Ipswich Society. Picture: IPSWICH SOCIETYWhitehousee Primary School receives its award from the Ipswich Society. The team receives its certificate from the Mayor of Ipswich. Darren Fellowes, Katherine Williams, Cath Anderson, Ipswich Mayor Sarah Barber, Tanya Griffiths, Paul West, David Rhymes, Sarah Hammond, Beth Licence, Simon Girling � Director SEH (French) and John Norman, Chairman of The Ipswich Society. Picture: IPSWICH SOCIETY (Image: Archant)

The award was presented by Ipswich Society President, Cllr. Sarah Barber, the Mayor of Ipswich, at an event in Ipswich last night.

The annexe at Whitehouse Primary School, providing six additional classrooms, was co-ordinated by Suffolk County Council, designed by Concertus and built by SEH French.

The Ipswich Society recognised the project as: “An energetic, engaging addition to the school environment. It was fun and joyous in relating the colour and texture of the materials to the classes within, for pupils to enjoy texture and shape in the solid form of their own building.”

In total, 16 buildings that have made a notable contribution to the townscape within the preceding two years were considered and four awards were given.

The project to expand Whitehouse Primary School project achieved a Commendation, alongside The Old Bell Inn renovation, St Edmunds Road refurbishment and The Gates housing development.

Whitehouse Primary business manager Cath Anderson said the new extension was liked by the staff and the children – and had allowed the school to get rid of a number of temporary classrooms.

The school had been formed by the merger of the Whitehouse Infants and Junior schools in 2010 – but it had relied on the temporary buildings since then and it was continuing to expand.

Ms Anderson said: “We have been in the extension since the start of the term, although we haven’t had a formal opening yet because there are still some footings to be completed.

“It is very light and airy and everyone says what a great addition it is to the school. We’re really pleased by this recognition from the Ipswich Society.”

Paul West, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for Ipswich said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised by the Ipswich Society for this award.

“The new classroom block at Whitehouse Primary school has provided much needed additional classrooms which have been well received by the many children and teachers who use them.

“A big thank you to our partners at Concertus, SEH French Construction and Whitehouse Primary School for their efforts in bringing this project to life.”