NORTHUMBERLAND
Nursery and School Building Conversion
Hareside Primary School - Cramlington
Hareside Primary School & Little Angels Nursery, Cramlington.
This project involved the conversion and detailed design of part of Hareside Primary School in Cramlington, transforming an existing school building into a vibrant new home for Little Angels Nursery.
With funding already in place, Richard Ruddick Architects worked closely with both Hareside Primary School and Little Angels Nursery to develop a comprehensive design and delivery package within tight timescales.
Our role included acting as architects and project lead, including space planning, detailed design, and coordination to ensure the project could progress efficiently and meet the operational needs of both the school and the nursery. The project required change of use; we submitted the planning application with enough detail to have early approval.
The completed nursery environment features a new internal layout that supports early years learning and play, improved accessibility, and a secure outdoor play and garden area. The result is a warm, inclusive setting that enhances the educational experience for young children and integrates seamlessly within the existing school site.
This project highlights our expertise as education architects, specialising in school and nursery design across the North East of England. It demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design and effective collaboration can transform existing educational buildings into inspiring, functional learning environments.
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Richard Ruddick Architects are RIBA Chartered Architects in Newcastle upon Tyne, serving clients across Northumberland, the North East of England, Scotland, and the wider UK. Our experienced team of architects, interior designers, and project managers delivers creative, sustainable, and practical design solutions across a range of sectors — with specialist expertise in education, school, and nursery design.
We create inspiring learning environments that support early years education, primary and secondary schooling, and community learning. From nursery refurbishments and school conversions to new-build education facilities, our designs prioritise wellbeing, accessibility, and long-term value for children, teachers, and local communities.
Our team also supports clients in the early stages of design, offering feasibility studies, site assessments, and funding bid support to help bring education projects to life. Whether developing a concept for a new nursery or preparing a detailed design for a school extension, we ensure each project is robust, cost-effective, and ready for delivery.
Alongside our education portfolio, we deliver bespoke homes, commercial developments, and heritage restorations — combining innovative thinking with careful project management to produce spaces that are functional, inspiring, and tailored to our clients’ needs.
Working throughout Newcastle, Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria, Yorkshire, and the Scottish Borders, we guide clients through every stage — from concept and planning to tendering and construction. Whether it’s transforming a disused school in Northumberland or developing a new early years facility, Richard Ruddick Architects brings creativity, clarity, and technical expertise to every project.
