The long-awaited rebuild of Castle Rushen High School has moved a step forward, with the project out to tender.
Minister Daphne Caine, told the Social Affairs Policy Review Committee that the procurement process is underway and is expected to conclude within weeks.
“We’re out for tender that’s got a couple of weeks,” she said.
The minister acknowledged that while it may not be possible to begin construction this summer, progress has been substantial.
“I agree, I think it’s come further than ever, even if it isn’t possible to get it over the line by summer, the plans and the development of the scheme and where it’s got to, I would hope it would be following soon after, if not this summer.”
Chief Officer Graham Kinrade said the next stage will depend on the price that comes back from contractors.
“I think we will know more when we get to the end of the current process and we have a price in front of us and we understand what cost this is going to look like, and then there will be a decision to be made,” he said.
Mr Kinrade said the department now has a clearer understanding of the scope of the project.
“Do I feel comfortable that we’ve gotten to a much firmer place? Yes, we understand the scope better. We are moving towards design, and hopefully soon we will understand price, and then a proper conversation can be had.”