The Marches School in Oswestry is getting closer to achieving its dream of building three ‘Eden Project style’ geo-domes thanks to input from two local businesses: Woodhead Oswestry Sales and Lettings and Tesni Homes.

Money to cover the cost of the first of the three proposed geo-domes - which will be used as outdoor classrooms -  has now been raised meaning the school can start work on the project.

Kate Howell, owner of Woodhead Oswestry Sales and Lettings on Leg Street donated a substantial four-figure sum to get the project off the ground.  She explained: “It’s really important for me to support educational projects like this one.  As a local business person, I feel a sense of responsibility to give back to the local community and saw this as an ideal way to do that.  I have a young family myself and am delighted that the geo-domes will be available for local schools to enjoy for many generations.”  

Environmentally friendly housebuilder Tesni Homes has also donated a four-figure sum to the project, as well as securing help from Carbon Zero UK, who are providing the domes at cost price to the school and supermarket chain Tesco, who have shortlisted the school for its #BagsofHelp initiative.

Marketing manager at Tesni Homes Lorraine Hopkins said: “We have made a long-term commitment to investing in the future of the school and we intend to work alongside them until the project is complete.  We like the idea that these domes will be around for years to come, helping to educate thousands of children on the benefits of eco-living.”

To celebrate the milestone, staff and students dropped in to see Tesni’s view home at Glentworth Place, Morda Rd, which is part of a six detached home development on the site of the town’s former ambulance station.

Jo White, business development manager at The Marches School said: “I would like to say a big thank you to Tesni Homes and Woodheads for the kindness they have shown to the school in their donation, expertise and time.  It is greatly appreciated and will go a long way to achieving our dream of building the geo-domes.”

The first dome is expected to be in place early in 2017.  Anyone interested in supporting the project should contact [email protected].