A VAST £25m new complex for the University Church of England Academy has been unveiled – with first-class sports facilities.
The preferred bidder, Kier Education, revealed its designs for the new 1,350-pupil school in Whitby Road last week.
Merging the academy’s current North and South campuses into one, the new building incorporates eight sports pitches, a theatre and state-of-the-art science laboratories.
Remaining planning issues should be dealt with during design development, clearing the way for work to start this autumn.
Kier, which will build the scheme on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council, was chosen from 12 contractors selected through a competition run by the National Schools framework.
The design and build is estimated to be worth £25m, subject to Department for Education funding approval.
Kier has chosen architect BDP to help design the academy, and will consult the academy and community to fully develop the detail of the designs.
The 64-week building project is scheduled for completion by Christmas 2012.
The University of Chester is lead sponsor for the academy, which specialises in mathematics, sport and performing arts.
Members from the university and co-sponsors the Diocese of Chester and Cheshire West and Chester Council scored the two final bids in the process that selected Kier.
Students will be transferred from South Campus (the former Cheshire Oaks High School) and North Campus (formerly EPSSPA).
The design will provide the latest IT equipment and learning tools.
The striking modern facility has drama and performance areas, a creative learning centre, Faraday science laboratories, media centre and 550-seater theatre, fully integrated special needs provision, multi-level reflection space, internal gardens and a courtyard. The outside areas will feature further performing arts spaces.
Sports facilities include two full-size football pitches, six multi-sports courts and outdoor fitness areas.
Open landscaped areas, allotments and pond complete the grounds.
The building has been carefully designed to maximise learning space by integrating social areas such as dining, an internet cafe, sixth form and staff meeting areas. Designed on three floors, there are terraces for the junior, senior college’s staff and sixth form.
Academy principal Kevin McDermott said: “The new building will be more than a school, it will be an icon for our community; it will enable our students to live their dreams and it will ensure our talented staff can best support outstanding teaching and learning. Our students, staff and community deserve this.”
Dr Colin Hankinson, executive director for Academy development at the University of Chester, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Kier and know they will deliver an outstanding academy building worthy of our staff and students; we chose this contractor due to their response to our vision and needs.
“This new academy will transform learning, inspire our students to greater heights and dreams and provide a broad range of new opportunities for the entire academy and wider community.”
Kier Northern managing director Nigel Brook said: “This is an important project for us and we recognise the significance of the project in creating the very best learning environment for the young people of Ellesmere Port.
“By moving from the two predecessor school sites to the new gateway site, the academy will demonstrate the vision and commitment of the sponsors and will provide a catalyst for the regeneration of Ellesmere Port.”
Cllr Arthur Harada, executive member for children’s services at Cheshire West and Cheshire Council said: “As the owners of the new school building, we will be working closely with Kier and this really is an exciting phase.”
Sutton and Manor councillor Paul Donovan said: “The new building on Sutton Way is extremely important for the town of Ellesmere Port. I am sure that local people will be watching the progress of the scheme with great interest during the planning process.”
