Bellerive and SFX schools to be refurbished
Two Liverpool schools are to be refurbished and partly rebuilt at a cost of around £13 million as part of Mayor Joe Anderson’s Schools Investment Programme.
The Cabinet has today approved the awarding of contracts for work on Bellerive FCJ College in Princes Park and St Francis Xavier’s (SFX) in Woolton.
At Bellerive, construction will start on a new £5.6 million teaching and sixth form building on Aigburth Drive in February 2015, to be completed in early 2016.
The work, which will be carried out by Morgan Sindall, will see a remodeling of the school campus and the main entrance moved from Windermere Terrace to the new building.
At SFX boys school, £7.6 million will be spent on a brand new science block to replace the existing temporary accommodation. There will also be a new sports hall, and the music department moved to the main building.
The main entrance will also be moved from Woolton Hill Road to Beaconsfield Road. The work will be carried out by Kier Construction and completed by November 2015.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “This is a much-needed investment in two of our schools and is part of my commitment to deliver at least 12 new schools for pupils in the city.
“The work which is being carried out will be a big boost for present and future generations of school children and ensure they get the most out of their learning.
“We are working with construction firms to make sure as much of the money is spent locally as possible and benefits the workforce in the city.”
At Bellerive, 70 percent of the subcontracting work is expected to be by Liverpool firms, with another 15 percent from across the city region. Eight apprenticeships will be created.
Bellerive headteacher, Sister Brigid Halligan, said: “We wish to place on record our sincere thanks to Mayor Anderson and his team, the contractors and architects and our trustees for helping us get to this stage.
“We are now determined to make sure the finished project results in the facilities our students deserve.”
A target has been set for 85 percent of the subcontracting work at SFX to be carried out by Liverpool firms, with another 10 percent from across the city region. Nine apprentices will be hired.
SFX headteacher, Les Rippon said: “This is really good news for all at the College and the end result will be a tremendous improvement for everyone.
“All staff and pupils are really excited about the development and appreciate the support of Liverpool City Council.”
The work forms part of the £169 million Liverpool Schools Investment Programme, devised as a rescue package following the scrapping of Wave Six of Liverpool’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project, and one of the Mayor’s key pledges.