SUFFOLK-BASED construction firm ISG Jackson has started work on a £3.9million project to build a new 210-place Essex County Council primary school south of Little Dunmow.

SUFFOLK-BASED construction firm ISG Jackson has started work on a £3.9million project to build a new 210-place Essex County Council primary school south of Little Dunmow.

The modern, purpose-built facilities will be on the Oakwood Park estate and are designed to a very high environmental specification.

The building features a “living” green sedum roof and rainwater harvesting system. Timber solar shading panels will be installed on the building's façade to reduce the need for artificial cooling, with under-floor heating and an on-site biomass boiler to provide efficient heating.

It is designed around a central courtyard and will have seven classrooms, open plan resource areas, a therapy area, canteen and a large assembly and sports hall. The school is set to open in time for the start of the new academic year in September 2008.