Warwickshire News Mine

Students have been involved throughout the development process, and the delegation from Year 7 visited the Sandy Lane site to see the ‘enabling works’ in action and to speak to construction staff. Accompanied by Headteacher David Hazeldine, the young people, who are members of the Student Parliament, also met Cllr Alan Cockburn (Portfolio Holder for Resources) and Cllr John Burton (Portfolio Holder for Schools). 

Miller Construction, Warwickshire County Council’s Framework Contractor, moved onto the Manor Hall site on Sandy Lane in September and enabling works have been underway to demolish the old Manor Hall building and prepare the site for building works. Work on the foundations is programmed to begin in November with the building reaching completion in Summer 2009, ahead of the 2009-2010 academic year.

The county council has worked closely in partnership with North Leamington Community School to create the £26 million building, which will bring together 1,500 pupils who currently use four separate sites across the town.

The school will boast three faculty blocks and a main building described as the ‘hub’ with a sixth-form and a community-learning centre. As a College for the Performing Arts, the school will have specialist dance, drama and music facilities, including a 400-seater theatre. The school will also include a large sports hall complex, an all-weather pitch and a multi-use games area. All these facilities will be available as part of the schools extended hours programme for use by the community.

Headteacher David Hazeldine said: "The speed with which Miller Construction have prepared the Manor Hall site for building work has greatly encouraged staff and students.  At last the vision for a new school is taking shape!”

Cllr Alan Cockburn, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Warwickshire County Council, said: “I enjoyed meeting the students who will benefit from this landmark learning facility. There is no doubt that the new school will be a great asset to the local community and we are pleased with the progress that is being made.”

Simon Butler, Miller Construction’s Operations Director for the Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be main contractor for this exciting project and have been working closely with the school and Warwickshire County Council from day one.  Miller has considerable expertise in the education sector and we look forward to delivering an excellent school which will serve the community for many years to come.”

Contract administrators Turner and Townsend said:  “We have an excellent track record of high profile education work in the region.  North Leamington Community School is a highly innovative commission which is very exciting for Turner & Townsend, for the students and for all stakeholders”.

Link to WCC