Future Tech Studio on site
GB Group has started on site with the development of the Future Tech Studio school in Warrington, on behalf of the Warrington Collegiate Education Trust.
The 16,000 sq ft three-storey building in the Winwick Road Campus will include modern science labs and workshops for technology and engineering classes.
Planning was approved by Warrington Council in February. The school was designed by Liverpool-based K2 Architects.
Studio Schools are a new type of state school for 14 – 19 year olds, which are designed to better prepare young people for the working world. The Future Tech Studio is specialising in IT and telecommunications, business and finance, and engineering.
Martin Smout, executive chairman at GB Group, said: "We are looking forward to working with our local supply chain to build this new studio school for the community. Our team has worked hard to ensure the construction process will deliver a cost-effective and sustainable modern studio, equipped with the latest technologies that will integrate with the wider learning campus."
Kevin Horton, director at K2 Architects, said: "We are expanding our schools portfolio, so the development of the Future Tech Studio is a significant step for us."
The school already has over 30 employers signed up to support the school and its students with work placement opportunities, master classes and real life projects, including Barclays Global Technology Centre in Knutsford, United Utilities in Warrington and the North West Environment Agency.
The development is due to complete in December 2014.