Member Article

Willmott Dixon secure £17m Liverpool school contract

Hertfordshire-headquartered construction firm Willmott Dixon has won a £17m contract to build Liverpool City Council’s energy efficient sports college.

The contract was secured to build the new Archbishop Beck Sports College in Fazakerley as part of Liverpool Mayor’s ‘Investment Plan for Secondary Schools’.

Willmott Dixon will complete work on the site by September 2014 after work begins this summer, while planning permission is set to be granted later in March.

Liverpool City Council said the college will be environmentally friendly with solar panelled roofing, and will also feature basketball courts, a theatre, recording studios and dance facilities.

The council added that its regeneration plans for the city will include “tough targets” to ensure the majority of money is spent within Liverpool’s economy.

Mayor, Joe Anderson, commented: “This is another significant step in my commitment to deliver 12 new schools for young people in Liverpool.

“A child only gets one education, and it is absolutely crucial that we make sure we give our young people the best possible start in life.

“Improving schools is a priority and I am determined that we also make sure the construction project benefits local firms as well, so we maximise the benefits to the city.”

Archbishop Beck’s assistant head, Bruce Hicks, commented: “We are absolutely delighted, as this school will offer a 21st century education for the whole community.

“We have held detailed discussions with the whole community, including parents and pupils whose opinions we have sought and acted upon in terms of the design.”

Funding has also been confirmed for 10 other schools, including: Archbishop Blanch C of E High School, Holly Lodge Girls’ College, St Francis Xavier’s College, St Hilda’s C of E High School, St John Bosco Arts College, St Julie’s Catholic High School, Redbridge High School, Aigburth High School, Palmerston Special School, Abbots Lea Special School.

Councillor Jane Corbett, cabinet member for education, added: “This is brilliant news for current and future generations of young people who will attend Archbishop Beck.

“It is part of our ambition to make sure that new schools are closely tied to the city’s regeneration and help build stronger communities, so that they are literally made in Liverpool.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .