Wilson goes back to school to see new development

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson today highlighted the importance of investing in our school estate to help to improve the standard of education.

The Minister was speaking after visiting the construction site for the new building at Grosvenor Grammar School, where he used to teach, and the recently completed Ashfield Girls’ School, both in East Belfast.

Speaking at Grosvenor Grammar School, the Minister said: “I have previously highlighted the record levels of gross capital investment being delivered by the Executive, and this year will be no different. We are currently on track to deliver £1.7billion of gross capital investment in this financial year. That is over £4.6million every day.

“These figures may look impressive, however this is what they mean – new roads, new hospitals, and, as I have seen today, new schools. This money is providing the facilities needed to deliver a world class education for our young people.

“As we look at ways of encouraging economic growth, equipping the next generation of leaders with a quality education is a first step in ensuring the Executive’s aspiration of a flourishing local economy can become a reality.

“It is pleasing to visit the school where I used to teach economics to see a practical example of how the Executive is helping the construction industry and boosting the local economy during the current economic downturn.”

Designed by Robinson McIlwaine Architects, the new school includes classroom blocks, administration offices, staff and sixth form accommodation, a multi-purpose hall, gymnasium, sports hall, fitness suite, library and lecture/dance studios. Within the grounds, extensive sports facilities will be provided to cater for a wide range of activities including athletics, cricket, football and rugby. Two multi purpose all-weather pitches will also be created, one of which will be floodlit. The new school is scheduled for completion next month.

Mr Wilson also visited Ashfield Girls’ High School. He said: “These state of the art facilities are an example of the successful partnership approach between the Belfast Education and Library Board and Amey-FMP. Not only do such partnerships help with the planning and delivery of projects, but they also speed up the procurement process.”

The new Ashfield Girls’ High School was designed by Todd Architects. Its construction commenced in April 2008 and was completed in September 2009 at a total cost of approximately £18million. The building has a total floor area of 9,996 sq m located on a site of 5.18 hectares.

The schools projects have been identified as examples of best practice in construction by Constructing Excellence NI.

Notes to editors:

1. Constructing Excellence in Northern Ireland (CEni) is a centre of professional construction expertise based at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown. It supports all sectors of the construction industry in the pursuit of excellence. ‘Constructing Excellence’ is the banner under which the construction industry, its clients and Government are working to improve UK construction performance. It aims to showcase innovations in both products and performance and to highlight best practice. It also seeks to encourage the industry and its clients to adopt the principles of Constructing Excellence to their mutual benefit.

2. The 4 Demonstration Projects are:

McLaughlin & Harvey – Royal Victoria Hospital Phase 2B for Sustainability and Design Quality. The Royal Victoria Hospital Phase 2B will deliver a truly sustainable building project containing innovative construction processes and design with world class healthcare provision. This Project will be an exemplar for sustainable design and construction throughout the UK.

Belfast Education & Library Board – Strategic Partnering Projects for Client Leadership & Integration in Procurement. This project has delivered state of the art accommodation and facilities management services for many of the schools and associated buildings under BELB control. This major modernisation of Belfast Schools Estate and provision of exceptional learning facilities will allow BELB to fully meet its objectives in improving further the standard of education in schools.

John Graham (Dromore) Ltd – Banbridge Academy for Health & Safety. The Banbridge Academy new build and refurbishment project is paving the way for innovations in Health & Safety Excellence. The combination of management driven processes and behavioural based safety strategies is driving a cultural revolution in site based health & safety.

O’Hare & McGovern – The Obel Tower for Design Quality in using Modern Methods of Construction in Ireland’s tallest skyscraper. The Obel Tower is a landmark building rising majestically from Belfast’s Donegall Quay. Standing at the gateway to the city the iconic glass structure is a symbol of Belfast’s regeneration.

3. Further information on the CEni Demonstration Projects is available from http://www.constructingexcellence.ulster.ac.uk

4. Photos are available upon request by contacting the DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7378.

5. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7278 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.