State-of-the-art school will mark ‘a new dawn’

Proposed development of North Chadderton School

THESE stunning images show one of Oldham’s new school buildings which escaped the Government’s axe.

Some 90 per cent of North Chadderton School will be rebuilt to create themed-learning zones and a large central lobby.

There will also be a new sixth-form centre above the main entrance and an inclusion centre with provision for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders.

Refurbished and remodelled facilities will include the sports hall, gym and school hall.

Outline planning permission has already been granted for the work which was in doubt when the Government axed the £5 billion Building Schools for the Future Scheme.

Several projects in Oldham were scrapped — including the new Saddleworth School — but North Chadderton was given the go-ahead after a review.

Construction firm Balfour Beatty plan to start the work in December and the school will open in September, 2013.

Councillor Jack Hulme said: “This is a new dawn.”