Page 15 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • March 2003 15
Developers make their bids for North Swindon schools
Seven private contractors have expressed interest in working with Swindon Council to build and
maintain a massive expansion in school provision to serve North Swindon.
In October, government ap-
proval was given to proceed un-
der a Private Finance Initiative
which will involve:
• rebuilding Hreod Parkway
School on the south site, off Akers
Way;
• building a learning campus at
Priory Vale with a secondary
school, a primary school, two spe-
cial schools and community and
sporting facilities
• provision of three further pri-
mary schools elsewhere in the de-
velopment area.
The successful contractor will
organise the capital funding, de-
sign and construct the buildings The Guitar
and manage the facilities once they
are in place. The returns are con- School
siderable as the total cost will ap- If the scheme progresses purpose and designed to enhance
proach £100m, of which £70m will smoothly, both secondary schools the environment. Est 1996
be spent on building work. could be in operation for Septem- The Priory Vale framework plan
Government PFI credits amount ber 2005. provides the basis for detailed de- OPEN NOW AT
to £58m, but Swindon Council will The council is conscious that PFI sign for the new schools. How- 91 VICTORIA
have to find £2.25m in revenue schemes elsewhere in the country ever, since the land was first allo-
expenditure each year for the 25 have been subject to criticism and cated space requirements within ROAD
years that the arrangement will be are intent on pursuing quality the campus site at the heart of the OLD TOWN
in existence. standards for good design. They development have increased, as
A council spokesman said it was welcome the chance to learn from the secondary school is to be a ten SWINDON
encouraged by the amount of in- the experience gained from other form entry, rather than nine, and
terest shown by prospective bid- public/private partnership ar- two special schools have been Book your course now on
ders and a shortlist of three would rangements. A consultant from the added to the scheme. Negotiations 07967 594194
be drawn up by early March. The Commission for Architecture in the with developers for additional land
preferred bidder will be chosen in Built Environment nominated by may have to take place.
the autumn and a contract should the Department for Education and
I ARENTS.
be in place before the end of next Skills will be advising the council
January. to ensure that buildings are fit for
Green light for Bridlewood School, off Lady Lane
North Swindon's third primary school has been given the go-ahead Would you like these
by the Government appointed school adjudicator after Swindon
Council's proposals were blocked at the schools organisation com- benefiits for your
mittee. child?
Objectors included Abbey Meads School governors on the grounds Respect Self-
that a new school close-by will affect their catchment area and change V Discipline Defence
the social mix of their school.
Bridlewood will open in September this year, but because of the hold Temper Focus
up, children will have to be taught in temporary buildings until the S .; Control Confidence
permanent accommodation is ready, in January 2004 at the earliest.
Allow the Leigh Childs
Giving support to new North schools C?a ses for Black-Belt Academy to
4-12 yrs show you first hand,
Margaret Hunt, head of governor support at Swindon Education, writes
how empowering the
Over the next few years a number opted governors. Martial Arts can be for
of schools will be opening in If your child is likely to go to any your Child.
North Swindon. of the new schools, or if you are a
Although two temporary gov- parent of a child of school age, you
erning bodies have already been may wish to consider becoming a
established for Bridlewood Pri- parent governor. You could offer
mary School, off Lady Lane, and your business skills and expertise,
the Northern Sector secondary or represent a community interest,
school, parent and co-opted gov- by becoming a co-opted governor.
ernor vacancies still exist. If you have an interest in educa- CLASSES
Swindon Borough Council's tion and have some time, energy
education service is also in the and enthusiasm to get involved at The only school to offer FROM
process of setting up another tem- a local level, why not take this a 30 DAY NO RISK TRIAL £29 per month
porary governing body for the pri- opportunity to be involved in shap-
mary school that is due to open on ing a new school?
the education campus site and is To put your name forward for
looking to recruit governors to fill the schools mentioned here, please
a number of different categories, contact the Governor Support
including those of parent and co- Team on 463875. Call 0800 0191 585 to book your place