The first artist’s impression of the new £16 million Archbishop Blanch High School has been revealed.
Plans are underway to move the school from Mount Vernon Road to Earle Road in Picton, south Liverpool. The plans are set to be a centrepiece for the ongoing regeneration in Wavertree.
Mayor Joe Anderson said: “The new Archbishop Blanch High School is a really exciting scheme which will be a catalyst for strengthening the local community and supporting local businesses. It will make a huge difference to Picton and underpin the improvements that are being made.”
The school is one of at least 12 schools being rebuilt following the Mayor’s investment plan for schools.
The plan was introduced following the scrapping of the Blair Government’s Building Schools for the Future project.
Anderson said: “This is part of my vision to make sure all pupils are taught in top quality buildings and get the best education.”
Moving from the cramped facilities at Mount Vernon Road will means there will be playing fields for sports activities for the first time. The new facilities will be used by 900 girls, aged 11-16 with mixed-sex sixth form.
Headteacher Jane Griffiths said: “We are delighted at the pace with which this exciting scheme is coming together. The vision for the area where the school will be relocated is fantastic, and will allow us to build on the quality education for our students.”
Building will start in late 2014 with the project expected to be finished by 2016. The council has pledged to use as many local contractors as possible and have will also create hundreds of apprenticeships.
There are also plans for investment in new houses on the north of the site by developers Bellway. New or refurbished properties will also be delivered to the east of the site at Tunstall Road and Garrick Street by the council’s housing partners.