Wates picks up school co-location job
Wates Construction has been awarded an £11m contract to bring together two Wirral schools in a new facility on Kentmere Drive in Pensby.
Stanley Special School in Thingwall and Pensby Primary School in Pensby will share a new building and benefit from shared facilities including swimming and hydrotherapy pools.
Wates was awarded the contract by Wirral Council through the North West Construction Hub procurement framework.
The contractor is already working with the two schools in order to engage school staff, pupils, parents and the local community about the building work involved.
John Shannon, business unit director of Wates Construction in the North West, said: "It is extremely gratifying to be involved in a project that will extend and enhance the learning experiences and opportunities of young people. These are two fantastic schools that will significantly benefit from new and improved facilities. It is our intention to utilize our presence on the Wirral to create additional learning opportunities for young people and local residents and thanks to the efficient and effective procurement process through the North West Construction Hub we are set to get cracking straight away."
Cllr Ann McLachlan, Wirral's cabinet member for children's services and lifelong learning, said: "This is going to be a stunning facility, and will benefit both mainstream pupils and those with special needs. I am delighted that pupils are going to benefit from such an exciting educational facility and superb outdoor learning spaces. This is the department's first co-location school project to be developed and I am sure the project will bring wonderful opportunities to all pupils."
Work will be executed in phases with completion due in spring 2013.