A new primary school in Erith is to 'play a central role in the community' and house up to 650 pupils.

Lime Wood Free School is to situate at The Quarry, Erith.

The school is to be run by Woodland Academy Trust, which governs seven other schools in Bexley.

Alongside the school, will be a housing development, by L&Q housing association, which will provide up to 900 new homes.

The development will include affordable homes, community facilities, new open spaces and retained ecological areas.

The school aims to support families moving into the development and serve as a community hub.

Lime Wood is to allow the main hall and sports facilities to open to groups outside of school hours.

A topping-out ceremony took place on January 22, to celebrate the last concrete being poured into the structure of the new facility.

The ceremony was led by Council Leader Teresa O’Neil and senior representatives from Bexley council and L&Q were amongst those who attended.

Councillor Teresa O’Neill said:

“The topping out ceremony at the Erith Quarry school brought home how iconic the school will be and how lucky the future pupils will be.

“A real investment in the future of our borough and we’re proud that the Council helped make it happen.”

Regional Development Director at L&Q, Neil Davis, said:

“We’re proud to be celebrating this major milestone with our partners.

“The Lime Wood Free School will help to educate local children for years to come, playing a central role in the thriving community we’re building at The Quarry.

“Our vision for this development was always an environment where families and communities can grow.

“From affordable homes to community facilities, green spaces and sustainable infrastructure, this is just another reason why The Quarry is a great place to live.”