Wates begins build of new educational facility for Wirral

13 July, 2011

Wates Construction has been awarded an £11m contract to bring together two Wirral schools in a brand new educational facility on Kentmere Drive.

Stanley Special School in Thingwall and Pensby Primary School in Pensby will share a new horse-shoe shaped building and will benefit from a central hub of facilities including a swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool. Outdoor facilities will include a play area, multi-use games area, external games area, covered outdoor learning areas and sensory gardens.

Wates was awarded the contract by Wirral Council through the North West Construction Hub procurement framework.

Wates is already working closely with the two schools in order to engage school staff, pupils, parents and the local community about the building work involved. Construction mascot, Ivor Goodsite paid a recent visit to the schools to teach the children about the importance of safety on a building site.

Work will be executed in phases until completion in Spring 2013.

John Shannon, Business Unit Director at Wates Construction in the North West, added: “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: “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.”

Wates Construction is renowned for its expertise in building schools, academies, colleges and university buildings throughout the North West and the UK. Its highly skilled and flexible team prides itself on delivering projects both on time and to budget with minimal disruption to learning and teaching.

Categories: primary schools, north west

Tags: North West, Pensby Primary School, Wirral