Pallet site ‘best value’

Date published: 03 February 2015


A GOVERNMENT agency’s decision to nominate a site in Diggle as its preferred option for the new Saddleworth School was based on its value for money.

The decision is revealed in an 82-page study by the Educational Funding Agency, which examined four sites. The EFA has increased the original £17.5 million spend on the new 1,500-pupil school to £19.26 million. Building will start towards the end of next year.

New sports pitches will be provided on green belt land south of the site, and a separate sports block will be north of the playing fields.

The new E-shaped building will have an internal floor area of 10,500sq m and will be mostly three-storeys high.

The study claims a challenge to the decision may delay the programme and increase costs. An amount has been set aside by the EFA for public consultation, and it has factored in funding for “technical challenges” on the sloping site.

Copies of the study are available on request. Email: PSBP.EFACAPI TAL@education.gsi.gov.uk



Reasons behind agency’s decision


IN its study, the EFA summarised the pallet works site advantages:


::“SIGNIFICANT benefits" during construction with no disruption to education for the period of the build.

::REUSE of the site enables replacement of a dilapidated site with a new educational facility.

::ALTHOUGH not included in the proposal, the option supports the redevelopment and setting of a Grade Two listed building.

::THE setting is screened by established trees and more respectful of the Diggle valley and brook and provides much-needed educational infrastructure.

::A LARGER more accessible site, more sports facilities, largely adjacent to each other, and teaching facilities located in one large block.

::ASSOCIATED highway improvements implemented by Oldham Council will benefit the rural community and residents near the new school.