New Academy takes shape in Chelsea

15 December, 2009

An innovative new Academy, being created in the heart of Chelsea by Wates Construction, has reached a major milestone today.

The project, which includes the creation of a 5-storey tower and a 2 to 3 storey accommodation block and sports hall, was ‘topped out’ on Friday (11 December) at a ceremony led by James Wates, Deputy Chairman of Wates Group and sponsors Councillor Merrick Cockell, Leader of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Inigo Woolf, Director Finance and Resources, London Diocesan Board for Schools.

The Academy makes creative use of its constrained site through the delivery of outdoor play spaces at different levels.

The entire scheme is due for completion in the summer of 2010, ahead of the start of the 2010/11 academic year.

Richard Shroll, Wates Project Director, said: ‘We are delighted that this tremendous project has progressed so well and remains firmly on track for completion next summer, on time and on budget. The entire construction team has contributed to successfully reaching this important milestone and we look forward to creating an Academy that will
be a credit to Kensington and Chelsea and inspire all its new pupils in the future.’

Councillor Merrick Cockell, said: “I am delighted to be able to take part in the topping out ceremony of what is clearly going to be a very fine building. We have very high aspirations for the Chelsea Academy and have long been  etermined to provide its pupils with a building where they can prosper. I now look forward eagerly to it opening its
doors to pupils for the first time in September 2010”.

Inigo Woolf, Director Finance and Resources, London Diocesan Board for Schools, said: “I am extremely pleased at the marvelous progress that is being made at Chelsea Academy and look forward to September 2010 when the new school building will welcome pupils.

“This is the fifth Church of England Academy in the London Diocese – a growth and expansion which reflects our commitment to high quality education. I am very proud to be a part of today’s celebration.”

To download this press release as a pdf click here

Categories: new build, academies, london & south east

Tags: Chelsea