The North Tyneside Schools Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is a multi-million pound project focused on improving four schools in the Wallsend and Whitley bay areas. Buro Happold provided a range of services for three new primary schools and one new secondary school procured by the client under the PFI agreement.

The single-storey Croquet Park First School was one of three primary schools. It provides educational facilities for children from nursery age through to Key Stage 2, and also has to provide space for after-school community activities. For example, a demand was identified for English second language courses in the area. The building was designed so it could be split into two sections during after-school hours, so that community areas can be used independently from the rest of the building.

Date: Completed in 2004