Sutton Council says it’s working Hackbridge Primary School finished and open “as quickly as possible” after problems with a contractor during a multi-million pound project.

As reported by the Sutton Guardian, £14.4 million is being spent by the authority to finally get the scheme completed following Lakehouse’s collapse into administration.

And a report has revealed the problems which had beset the plans to make Hackbridge Primary School, in Hackbridge Road, Sutton’s first Passivhaus primary school.

The project would see the construction of additional school buildings admit an extra 120 reception pupils, with the revised completion date set for September 2019.

Lakehouse, who the council hired for the work, was sacked by them in January due to “non-performance” and over several allegations including delays and failures to pay subcontractors on time.

They would eventually enter administration and operate under a different company name, Sureserve, before Willmott Dixon was hired not long after to finish the job.

But the council says it has acted swiftly to “rescue” the project, which is funded by the Department for Education.

“I’m pleased to be able to announce the immediate action we have taken to secure this project,” said Cllr Marian James, chair of the council’s people committee.

“The expansion of Hackbridge Primary School is an important part of our ambitious plans to ensure Sutton’s children get the best possible start in life.

“We’re working hard to get the school finished and open as quickly as possible following the setbacks we have faced.

“Hackbridge Primary School will become our first Passivhaus primary school in the borough.”

Despite the project’s increased costs, rising from £8.9 million to £9.6 million for the projected final sum of the Lakehouse deal, the council insists the expenses are manageable thanks to the Government’s financial backing.

It adds that it will “endeavour to recover and claim against any monies owed to recoup as much as possible”.

Passivhaus buildings are designed to ultimately ensure the maximum use of efficient energy so as to help reduce ecological impacts.

According to the Passivhaus Trust, there are nine certified Passivhaus schools across England, 11 in the UK overall, with three of them being in London.