Ground has been broken on a massive project to deliver a brand new site for Byrchall High School.
April 19 marked the day the Ashton-in-Makerfield school took their first step towards an eco-friendly future with their new build. Students and staff were joined by mayor of Wigan Coun Marie Morgan to put the spades in on the project which is aiming for completion in Autumn 2024.
As part of a national programme Byrchall will be one of 50 new Eco and self-sustainable schools to be built in the UK over the next three years.
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When the new site opens it will boast outdoor cinema spaces, a science and technology 'learning environment' and multi-use sports facilities. The 1960s site in Ashton was one of four schools in Wigan that received a portion of the Department for Education's £1bn 'School Rebuilding Programme'.
The Warrington Road-based school has 1,200 pupils in a space that 'is no longer fit for purpose', according to a planning statement. The school will remain operational as building work is done, with development progressing in phases before the demolition of the old building.
Byrchall boasts a proud history of providing education for young people in the area since its foundation in 1588. Now they can look forward to a greener future with solar panels planned for the three-storey new-build’s roof.
Head teacher Alan Birchall said: “We are very excited to welcome all of our students and families into a building that reflects not only our traditional values, but our modern practices and supports the success of every individual in our community.”
As the self sustainable school building takes shape, students will learn about how the use of reusable energy sources will power everything from the lights in their classrooms to the gas in their Bunsen burners.
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