Post 16 Education Centre - Turf Cutting

12-Mar-2015

A major step in the future of post-16 education in Flintshire was undertaken today as work on a new state-of-the-art centre officially started.

A turf cutting ceremony was held at the site today at Coleg Cambria's Deeside campus to mark the officially start to a new £14m centre, being jointly developed by Coleg Cambria, local schools and Flintshire County Council. The centre will provide state-of-the-art facilities and offer a broader curriculum choice for post-16 learners in Flintshire and is due to open in September 2016. The contractor selected for the work is local company Wynne Construction.

With an overall cost of £14m, the new facility will provide an inspirational learning experience for up to 700 students in a centralised location between Coleg Cambria's Deeside site and Connah's Quay High School. The three-storey building includes specialist performing arts, music, science and creative arts facilities as well as general teaching classrooms and social and private study spaces.

Accessed from a newly formed entrance from Golftyn Lane, the scheme includes staff and visitor car parking as well as a coach park area to serve the wider Coleg Cambria site.

David Jones, Principal, Coleg Cambria comments: "We are thrilled that work has now begun on the new sixth form hub. This exciting centre will provide a learning environment that takes advantage of new technology and uses sustainable technology, offering enhanced curriculum options and experiences for young people in North East Wales."

Councillor Chris Bithell, Flintshire County Council's Cabinet member for Education said: "I am delighted that work is now under way to create this first class learning facility".

"This scheme forms part of Flintshire County Council's planned investment in our schools under Welsh Government's 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, and it is also part of the Welsh Government's £200m Schools and Public Buildings Contractor Framework for North Wales."

"Wynne Construction shares our commitment to the local economy, and we know from experience that they will be looking to employ as many local contractors and staff on their projects as possible and supporting local businesses in their supply chains."

Chris Wynne, Managing Director, Wynne Construction said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract which represents a significant milestone in the provision of post 16 education within Flintshire. Together with our design partners, Lovelock Mitchell, we will be able to further demonstrate our experience and design expertise in this area."

"With almost 75% of our supply chain based within 20 miles of the project, the contract will undoubtedly also provide a welcome boost to the local economy, not only securing existing jobs but also creating a number of new local employment and apprenticeship opportunities. We consider it extremely fortuitous to be on the 'doorstep' of Coleg Cambria itself and very much look forward to working in partnership with the college to maximise these apprenticeship opportunities."

The scheme is part of the Welsh Government's £200m Schools and Public Buildings Contractor Framework for North Wales and forms part of Flintshire's planned investment in their schools under Welsh Government's 21st Century Schools and Education Programme.

 

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