Connah’s Quay High School’s multi-million pound modernisation work set to begin next summer

A contractor has been selected to undertake a modernisation programme to Connah’s Quay High School.

Wrexham based Kier Construction will work on the replacement of the existing Design and Technology (D&T) block and Art and Food Technology block.

The three storey block will be replaced with a new two-storey building comprising Administration, D&T, Food Tech, Art and Design and room for additional teaching provision, office space, toilets, lift, stairs and a plant room.

The work, costing around £10m forms part of the Welsh Government’s 21st-century schools programme and follows the recent successful completion of Holywell Learning Campus and Deeside 6th Form College.

Kirsty Williams AM, the Cabinet Secretary for Education said upgrade plans for the school have to be in place by  July 2017 as part a demand she set out when ruling in favour of Flintshire County Council’s proposal to close John Summers High School in Queensferry next year.

Building work is due to start in summer 2017 the contractor will ensure as little disruption as possible to learners and the local community, with a planned completion date of early 2019.

The summer 2017 start will satisfy the Educations Secretary’s conditions set out in her ruling.

Cllr Bernie Attridge, Damian Hughes – FCC, Cllr Aaron Shotton, Dylan Wyn Jones – Kier, Bob Adams – Kier, Martin White, Cllr Chris Bithell and Ann Peers

Councillor Chris Bithell, Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education said:

“This is another milestone in the Council’s commitment to provide modern facilities for children, young people and the wider community. The contract has been awarded under the North Wales Schools and Public Buildings Contractor Framework.”

The procurement process provides councils with a pre-qualified group of contractors so that they do not have to go through a lengthy and expensive tendering process, saving on time and costs. Not only are the contractors assigned in a fair way, they maximise benefits to the local community, sustain economic development and deliver environmentally sound buildings whilst creating jobs and apprenticeships.

John O’Callaghan, Managing Director of Kier Construction Northern said:

“Kier are delighted to have been selected as the contractor to modernise Connah’s Quay High School and we are confident of delivering a best-value and inspirational learning environment, providing lasting community benefits including local employment and training.”