Member Article

Blackpool’s new Catholic College project now complete

Eric Wright Construction has now completed a £22.8 million project to redevelop St Mary’s Catholic College and Christ the King Catholic Primary School in Blackpool.

The project started in November 2010. It saw the Preston-based firm, a division of the Eric Wright Group, demolish parts of the college while retaining the Victorian frontage.

The existing school has been refurbished to establish a 1,220 place secondary school, Sixth Form Centre and a brand new 210-place primary school. This scheme also included the building of a new Parish Church for Christ the King.

Designed and commissioned by Nightingale Associates under the Blackpool Building Schools for the Future and Primary Capital Programmes, the scheme amalgamated both primary and secondary facilities within a single footprint.

The final phase of the project involved moving Christ the King Catholic Primary School and Christ the King Parish Church onto the site.

John Wilson, managing director of Eric Wright Construction said: “We are very proud to have been involved in this multi-phase project which will change the face of primary, secondary and further education in the area.

“This scheme also provided us with a platform to provide employment opportunities for budding builders thanks to the Apprenticeship Training Association which saw us, our supply chain and subcontractors recruit apprentices to work on the project.

“St Mary’s Catholic College is a great example of what can be achieved with many parties working closely together and we’re delighted to have finished the programme of works by the estimated deadline.”

Stephen Tierney, Executive Headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic College and Christ the King Catholic Primary School, said: “This outstanding partnership of the schools, Blackpool Council and Eric Wright has helped establish a beacon of excellence on the top of Layton Hill.

“The secondary students and Sixth Form are already benefitting from the new building. I know the primary children and staff will be so excited when they move into their new buildings in September. The future looks bright for both schools.”

Carl Baker, assistant director of children’s services at Blackpool Council, added: “The school, together with the Local Authority, is extremely pleased and fortunate to have been granted approval of this new building by the Department for Education under the Building Schools for the Future Programme back in 2010.

“It has been a long journey, but one which will provide the young people and staff with an exceptional environment for their future learning and work.

“We are delighted with the new school and the pupils and staff are now eager to take up full occupation this September.

“The project team, from the Architects at IBI Nightingale’s to the constructors at Eric Wright Construction have worked incredibly hard over the last four years to deliver this outstanding school campus.

“It has been a very successful project and one which could only be delivered through a collaborative approach and a positive team ethos; it is a credit all those involved.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .