South Gloucestershire Council has announced the appointment of Willmott Dixon Construction to build the new £16 million Yate International Academy, following a thorough selection process.
Yate International Academy, formerly King Edmund Community School, is part of the Ridings Federation of Academies, together with Winterbourne International Academy.
This academy development will create new and improved educational facilities for the pupils and wider community of Yate. Subject to full planning approval, work is planned to start on site next year, with the opening scheduled for September 2012.
Councillor Sheila Cook, executive member for children and young people, who lobbied the Secretary of State for Education to approve the new academy project, said: “The rebuilding of Yate International Academy has not been without its dramas and so I am thrilled that we have reached the critical stage of appointing contractors. It is more evidence that the Federation’s transformation of secondary education in the town is on track and that students will be given every opportunity to further improve on the impressive exam results they recently achieved – something which is a key priority for the council.”
Dr Rob Gibson, chief executive principal of the Ridings Federation of Academies, said: “The appointment of the building contractor for the new Yate International Academy is wonderful news. The new academy building is central to the Federation’s vision for the delivery of high-quality education for the students and the community of Yate and the wider area. Following very good GCSE results this August, this is an exciting time for staff and students of the academy and a very real vote of confidence upon the work already taking place.”
Roger Gilbert, principal, Yate International Academy, added: “The decision making process for this exciting project was both robust and stimulating, and we are all delighted with the appointment of Willmott Dixon to build the ‘new’ Yate International Academy.
“The staff, parents, students and governors of the Yate International Academy, will collaborate closely with the Willmott Dixon team over the next few months, to achieve the final design before the actual construction period. As Academy Principal, I know that all our stakeholders will be keen to have an input and influence on our Academy for the community.
“I would also like to thank our technical advisers, MACE and their team, for the quality of advice and support given to us so far, and we look forward to their continued involvement on the project.
“The contractors, Willmott Dixon have tremendous experience in this field, and we will have a new Academy building that will enhance and re-energise this community in Yate. As the Principal, I am personally very proud to lead this opportunity and to ensure that the new build will provide a fantastic learning environment for our current students but it will also be a legacy for future generations of young people and their families in this area.”
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
