Jigsaws Childcare Nursery in Church Fenton has completed a major £700,000 redevelopment project which has significantly expanded and modernised the nursery’s facilities.
The investment has increased capacity from 51 children to almost 80 and created a modern, energy-efficient learning environment designed to support the nursery’s long-term growth.
The inclusive not-for-profit organisation was set up in 2007 with its ethos firmly rooted and embedded in the community, supporting local families by offering full day nursery care, wrap around before and after school clubs and provision to support children with Special Educational Needs.
The original pre-fabricated portable building, which served the nursery since its inception but was no longer fit for purpose, was removed to make way for the state-of-the-art two-storey energy efficient structure. Working in collaboration with architects, Henszel Designs and modular building manufacturer, Phoenix Building Systems, the new facility was constructed off site, with the 14 separate pods being craned into position on site over three days in early August.
The move has been facilitated by Hethertons Solicitors in York, which has played a pivotal role in securing the nursery’s future. The firm registered an existing 21-year lease agreement and deeds with the HM Land Registry, giving Jigsaws Childcare Nursery official legal status, working closely with landowners North Yorkshire County Council. The new lease replaces an original agreement completed in 2022 and provides Jigsaws with greater security as it embarks on this significant phase of development.
In addition, Hethertons completed the licence for works required to facilitate construction of the new building and advised Jigsaws on its agreement with Phoenix Building Systems, reviewing the terms and conditions to help ensure the arrangements were commercially appropriate and protected the nursery’s interests.
Helen Smith, Business Manager at Jigsaws Childcare Nursery, said:
Hethertons’ involvement has been instrumental in enabling Jigsaws to move forward with confidence, laying the groundwork for a development that will bring lasting benefits to families across Church Fenton and the surrounding area.
“The supportive and helpful team at Hethertons made the complex process straightforward and seamless. They recognised that the pre-existing standard agreement that we had in place didn’t fit our needs. They guided us through the process, working closely with North Yorkshire County Council to come up with an appropriate solution.
The legal work was led by Neal MacDonald, Assistant Property Solicitor, alongside Jessica Roberts, Head of Corporate. Their involvement has ensured that the nursery now benefits from a robust legal framework to support its long-term growth.
Neal MacDonald, Assistant Property Solicitor at Hethertons, added:
This project demonstrates the value of having the right legal foundations in place to support an organisation's long-term ambitions. By securing a new 21-year lease and completing the associated licence for works, we've been able to provide Jigsaws with the certainty it needs to invest confidently in its future.
“Working closely with Jigsaws and North Yorkshire Council, we were able to deliver a solution that not only supported the nursery's redevelopment, but also provides the flexibility and security needed for future growth. It's rewarding to have helped a well-established local organisation take the next step in its development.
The new structure will be rented over an eight-year period, offering flexibility for the nursery to adapt or relocate in the future if required.
