Two ministers have expressed their hopes for work on a new high school in the south to start before next year’s general election.
Education Minister Daphne Caine told the public meeting at Castle Rushen High School that five architects are visiting this week to explore plans.
Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood added that she is hopeful work will begin next summer after a funding bid is finalised.
After a question from a parent about their child attending the new school, Mrs Caine told the meeting: “Yes, I would hope the eight-year-old will see the new secondary school and be part of that first intake.”
She added “We are committed to seeing the development of a replacement Castle Rushen High School.”
Bids
Mrs Caine said: “There’s some exciting news that I was informed of today – the bids are out for tender. Two architects have visited today, and there’s three more due by the end of the week.”
She added that she believed the project had advanced more in the past year than in the previous five, with the aim of securing funding approval by next summer.
Infrastructure Minister Dr Michelle Haywood said contractors would be sought early next year, with construction potentially starting in summer 2025.
“We hope to have appointed consultants by mid-August and go out for contractors from January,” she confirmed. “With fair winds, we should be starting on site next summer with a two to three-year build plan.”
Dr Haywood, whose three children attended the school, welcomed the long-awaited development.
She said: “Given that my three children have been through this school with the promise of this hanging over them, I’m pleased that we’re being able to deliver something there.”
1 Comment