A ceremony marking the start of work redeveloping New Siblands special secondary school, Thornbury, took place on Wednesday 6th October.
Leader of the council, Cllr John Calway, Vice-Chair of the council, Cllr Sheila Mead, local members, headteacher Paul Casson, pupils, staff and representatives from the contractors Leadbitter all attended the event.
The £5 million scheme, funded by South Gloucestershire Council, will redevelop the former New Siblands all-through Special Educational Needs (SEN) school into a 45-place SEN secondary school for the 11-19 age group.
The project includes a new build extension with general classrooms and a sports hall, and the alteration of the existing building to provide specialist secondary facilities such as science, music, design and technology and art. It will also include a fully equipped sensory studio.
The new build extension is scheduled to be completed in July 2011. This will be followed by the alteration and refurbishment of the existing building and landscaping of the grounds, with full completion scheduled for early 2012.
Cllr Sheila Cook, executive member for children and young people, said: “It is great to see building work start on this exciting new project. Coming hot on the heels of the completion of New Siblands special primary school, this project demonstrates the council’s commitment to giving all young people the best start in life where they can unlock their full potential in a modern, vibrant learning environment.”
The scheme is part of a wider £16 million project that has also seen the construction of New Siblands special primary and Gillingstool primary schools in an innovative new building on the same site, transforming special and primary education in Thornbury.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
