New academy: deal sealed

DEAL . . . an artist’s impression of the Oasis Academy Oldham, which will be built by Hollinwood-based contractor Willmott Dixon after contracts were signed

School set to open in 2012

A SIGNIFICANT milestone in the project to build the first of Oldham’s three new Academy schools has been reached.

Oldham Council has now signed a formal deal with Hollinwood-based contractor Willmott Dixon for the construction of the new Oasis Academy Oldham.

The new building — which will be visible from Manchester City centre and boast state-of-the-art learning, ICT, community, sports and leisure facilities — will be built on the site of the former Brook Mill, Hollins, with playing fields to be located on the old Oak Colliery site.

The news comes just days after Oldham’s new academies officially opened their doors to pupils and staff on their current sites.

Plans for the new Oasis Academy building, which will replace the former South Chadderton and Kaskenmoor high schools, were confirmed by the Department for Education last month and preparatory work is now set to begin at the Brook Mill site in October.

The opening of the new school is set for September, 2012.

Councillor Jack Hulme, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for children and families, said: “Alongside our sponsors we have worked extremely hard in recent months to keep our Academy plans firmly on track.

“Our young people deserve the very best start in life that we can offer to help maximise their potential.

“The signing of this contract is extremely positive news and it enables parents, staff and pupils to look forward with confidence to the opening of the Academy.”

Willmott Dixon, one of the UK’s leading construction companies, was selected in March to build the three new Academy buildings.

The programme also includes the new Waterhead Academy, sponsored by Oldham College, at Orb Mill to replace Counthill and Breeze Hill schools, and the Oldham Academy North, the E-ACT-sponsored Academy on the current site of Our Lady’s, Royton, replacing Grange School.



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