Wates to build Blackburn school

Wates Construction has been awarded an £8m contract to build Tauheedul Islam Boys High School on Clarence Street in Blackburn.

The contractor will begin work on the 56,000 sq ft educational facility in May following its appointment by the Tauheedul Free Schools' Trust.

Subject to planning approval, the 700-capacity building is due for completion in September 2014.

The school was designed using the ADAPT schools solutions approach, a move that aims to explore the potential of unlocking alternative learning spaces within an existing estate for use as educational facilities.

Tauheedul Islam Boys' High School, which will be open to boys of all faiths aged 11 to 18, will include an innovation and aspirations hub complete with 3D printing and laser cutting technology, and a learning resource centre.

Facilities will include a three-court sports hall, an external multi-use games area, and a dedicated sixth form centre.

Tony Shenton, business unit director for Wates Construction North West, said: "We have worked closely with the trust to ensure the facility provides a state-of-the-art learning environment for its students and we have an excellent site team in place to start construction later this year."

Wates' current education order book in the North West includes the £5.5m Hugh Baird College in Bootle, and Wirral Council's £11m project to bring together Pensby Primary School and Stanley Special School.

Construction of Tauheedul Islam Boys' High School has been procured through the Education Funding Agency Schools Framework.

The architect on the project is John McAslan & Partners.