The 13.5m long and 10ft tall unit was originally donated by local business MES, owned by Derrick Potter and Andrew Frost towards the end of 2023, leaving the school to decide how to best utilise the extra space. When the school saw the size of the unit, their aspirations went from a storage unit to something far more ambitious, a new library for the school.
Spearheaded by Chairman Derrick Potter, the team at Potter Space was instrumental in the delivery of the library and secured permission for the project from the church diocese, as well as planning permission from the New Unitary Authority of North Yorkshire.
The works included removing and disposing of old shed space that had previously housed children’s playground equipment, preparing new foundations with recycled stone, installing new underground drainage linked to the existing rainwater system and building wheelchair accessible entrances.
The interior was completely refurbished, with all wiring, electrics, light fittings and heaters renewed. New carpeting was additionally installed along with insulated panels to improve energy efficiency.
 Image 1: The children of Burneston School with their new library
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Image 2: Cllr Roberta Swiers cutting the ribbon to open the Library
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The philanthropic mission expanded into Potter Space’s wider business network, with donations from many businesses in the local area. The new library books came from further afield and were provided by Nony Boxer, managing director of 66 Books Ltd, a customer at Potter Space’s Ely Park.
Suzy Smart, Burneston CE Primary School Headteacher, commented: “We’re absolutely overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown by Derrick and the Potter Space team. Education is the foundation of success and ensuring adequate access to reading materials for children is of the utmost importance. Expanding on our existing materials and space has been a dream come true.”
Derrick Potter, Founder of Potter Space, said: “The teachers at Burneston CE Primary School provide a crucial education service to the local community and Potter Space is passionate about supporting the communities where we operate. This project has been incredibly rewarding and, as their teachers let the children to be involved in the creation of their new library, it will be great to see them enjoying their new facilities.”
You can read the story of the creation of the Burnerston Primary School Library in a booklet created by Potter Space and the School to commemorate the opening - read the full story here.
Potter Space’s five business parks occupy a total of 1.7 million sq. ft. across a range of commercial properties, including industrial units and offices, and are located in Ely, Ripon, Droitwich, Selby and Knowsley. It is currently developing 250 acres of land to meet demand.
With thanks to:
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| Image 3: Jason Rockett Potter Space MD chatting to the children |
Image 4: Children enjoying the Library |
