A new arts facility and a new sprung floor for the existing gym have been provided at the Bracken Edge Primary School in Leeds under the Space for Sport and the Arts programme.

The programme aims to enhance the opportunities for children to participate in sport and arts activities by improving facilities, particularly in deprived areas. It is part Lottery and part Government funded and is backed by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Department of Education and Skills, Arts Council England, and the Big Lottery Fund, as well as Sport England. It has funded almost 300 schemes at primary schools across the country at a cost of around £134m.

The Leeds project is a well-designed facility which has enabled the school curriculum to be strengthened, has enhanced links with four other schools nearby and introduced pupils to new experiences outside the classroom. The improved facilities have also contributed to community regeneration.

Under the project two main buildings have been linked to provide an arts and crafts facility incorporating four studio spaces for resident artists, ranging from sculptors to poets and new circus advocates.

This leads off to a new large art room and a multi-media room, foyer, dark room and storage space.

Bracken Edge Primary School factfile

• Space for Sport and Arts (via Sport England) awarded funding of £362,600 towards the total project costs of £546,600
• The school had already shown its dedication to the development of the Arts by the appointment of a Performing Arts Co-ordinator
• The Northern Ballet Company is one of a number of organisations who have formed partnerships with the school
• A new administration office, disabled toilets and a more accessible entrance are also planned