A contractor has been selected to build a new secondary school to replace John Summers High School in Queensferry and refurbish the adjoining Queensferry Primary School.
Kier Construction will build the £18.5 million scheme providing a 600 place three storey secondary school for 11-16 year olds with a new link to a refurbished 240 place primary school for 3-11year olds. Primary children and secondary age students will be educated in the latest state of the art accommodation with all modern IT facilities to assist with learning.
Building work is due to start in July 2015 with the new schools scheduled to open in January 2017. Existing facilities will remain in use until that time to ensure no disruption for learners.
The contract has been let under the new North Wales Schools and Public Buildings Contractor Framework procurement process which provides councils with a pre-qualified group of contractors so that they do not have to go through a lengthy and expensive tendering process, saving on time and costs. Not only are the contractors assigned in a fair way, they maximise benefits to the local community, sustain economic development and deliver environmentally sound buildings whilst creating jobs and apprenticeships.
Councillor Chris Bithell, Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education said: “I am delighted that our latest new 21st Century learning campus is progressing and that work is due to start on site within the next 12 months. Together with the new Holywell Campus and the Sixth Form hub at Connah’s Quay we are developing first class educational facilities for the children and young people of Flintshire.”
Gary Wintersgill, managing director of Kier Construction’s northern operations, said: “We are very pleased to have been selected for this important project. It not only gives us the opportunity to deliver an inspirational learning environment for Queensferry, but also allows us to maximise the economic benefit we deliver for the local community. By offering employment, training and apprenticeships, and engaging with the local supply chain, we will help to provide a lasting legacy for the local area.”
