The Education Minister hopes to appoint consultants for the new Castle Rushen High School by the end of August, though the project remains in its earliest planning stages.
Daphne Caine confirmed in Tynwald that the proposal has not yet entered formal gateway procedures but is aligned with Stage Zero of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) plan.
Former minister Julie Edge challenged the timeline, saying: “We’re already nine months behind. The architect appointment was due in January and certainly not happened.”
She questioned the procurement process, asking, “How did the minister recruit five architects? I haven’t seen anything advertised.”
Tender
However Mrs Caine explained that she hasn’t recruited anybody, but the stage is “part of an open tender”.
She noted progress, adding: “Architects have been to look at the site. The consultant tender submission date is July 21, with a project kick-off meeting hoped for August 21.”
Jason Moorhouse sought clarity on contingency plans if tenders fall short but Mrs Caine said: “Let’s be optimistic and hope we will have offers.”
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