Work has started on a multi-million pound project that will
transform a prestigious Newport school.
Developers Kier Construction are now on site at Newport Girls'
High School, in Wellington Road, where they will build four new
classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, and storage and shower
facilities.
Kier Construction regional framework manager, Richard Collin,
said the £2.2 million extension scheme would make a real
difference to pupils and staff.
"We're very proud to have been appointed by Telford & Wrekin
Council as the main contractor on this project, and we're looking
forward to delivering brand new facilities that will give everyone
at the school more space and more opportunities."
Kier Construction staff have started initial works on site
including setting up site offices, putting up perimeter fencing,
and clearing the site.
The extension will be built behind the existing school and two
demountable classrooms will need to be moved to make room for the
new buildings.
During the work, which is expected to last 37 weeks, the site
entrance will be via the existing access road off Wellington Road,
but the gates will be widened to ensure site logistics run
smoothly.
"We will aim to keep disruption to an absolute minimum for local
residents, and deliveries to the site will be timed to avoid the
school's 'drop-off' and 'pick-up' times," said Richard.
"A comments box will be available for community feedback -
whether it's good or bad - and contact details will be clearly
displayed on the site hoardings if anyone has any concerns. We will
be keeping residents informed of our on-site activities throughout
the scheme, including key dates, project milestones and site
progress, and we want to work with the local community to ensure
any concerns are dealt with promptly and effectively.
"We'd also like to urge parents and guardians to remind children
that the construction site is not a playground, and ask that they
be discouraged from entering the site."
Cllr Paul Watling, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member
for children and young people, said: "Kier Construction has played
an integral role in the first phase of our Building Schools for the
Future programme across Telford and Wrekin.
"And we're very pleased to see them now starting work on the
extension at Newport Girls' High School which is great news for the
local community."