Page 25 - link magazine

Setting the scene for Priory Vale's schools

In September 2006, a
suite of schools will open
in the Learning Campus rz
and Haydon End area of
Priory Vale. Steve Tilling
reports on how Swindon's
new seat of learning is
taking shape.
It's difficult to believe that Priory
Vale welcomed its first residents L`
just three years ago. Since then,
the north Swindon development
has blossomed into a thriving
community in its own right. With
this growth comes a need for local
schools and facilities, which will
be met over the next two years
and beyond. The Priory Vale Learning Campus
In April this year, Swindon
Borough Council officially
"Every school in the Campus expansive covered walkways to deliver improved educational
appointed Equion — an award- and beyond will be a self-contained different Campus locations. facilities, but they will also
winning division of John Laing plc
environment providing a wealth of Everything will combine to create become a community focal point
specialising in Private Finance
educational offerings. Yet, its a setting that is grand and and a source of great civic pride."
Initiative (PFI) projects — to
unique design also promotes welcoming in equal measures."
design, build, finance and operate The North Swindon Development
shared resources between schools, Equion has also considered the
Priory Vale's forthcoming schools. Company (NSDC), a consortium
such as art and drama facilities, countless practical details necessary
Comprising one secondary school, charged with the task of
kitchens, halls and health services. for ensuring the facilities run
two primary schools and two developing Priory Vale, has also
The Learning Campus will play smoothly. According to the plans,
relocated special schools, the played a large part in the project's
host to many amenities for pupils each school will enjoy sufficient
establishments will offer places for
and the community, including parking spaces, cycle and progress. "Under the original
over 2,000 children in the Priory
sports fields, a youth centre, hydro- pedestrian routes, and security planning agreement, we were
Vale area. Each school in the measures. "Security is an important obliged to release land for schools
Priory Vale development, except therapy pool and therapy centre."
As Sarah explained, Equion has consideration," confirmed Sarah. once Priory Vale had a certain
one primary school situated in " At this stage, we know that the
Haydon End, will form part of the left no stone unturned in its quest number of properties," said Mike
to deliver the finest possible Campus will feature unobtrusive Christmas from the NSDC. "When
area's forthcoming state-of-the-art CCTV cameras, perimeter fencing,
Learning Campus. environment: "From the demarcation fences and 24-hour Swindon Borough Council chose
International construction beginning, our plans have focused manned security. Throughout, to pursue a PFI route, we helped by
group, Laing O'Rourke, has on creating a landmark location we'll ensure the measures protect releasing the land early for work to
commenced work and most of the that is attractive and inspiring. people while avoiding an begin. I'm in no doubt that the
schools are scheduled to open in While it will complement the oppressive atmosphere." facilities in Priory Vale's schools
September 2006, with the traditional architecture of the Priory Sarah believes the Learning will help inspire, educate and
mainstream secondary school Vale Village Centre, the Campus
Campus will provide much more strengthen the entire community."
opening in September 2007. will introduce contemporary design than a centre of education. "From
Sarah Hudd, operations manager themes, for example, over-sailing offering high-tech classrooms, Produced in
from Equion, couldn't be more roofs and a circular drum
sports equipment and halls to association with:
excited about the project. "The entrance leading onto the School
working with experts to provide
schools and the Learning Campus Square. Once inside, pupils and the special schools with the latest
promise to offer Priory Vale's visitors will discover a pleasing
learning tools, we'll ensure each
residents truly exceptional natural environment with flora establishment caters for a variety
facilities," she began. and open spaces, works of art, and
of needs," she said. "The
community facilities will also he
How to register available to residents. Whether
To find out more about Priory
people want to use the health
To register or transfer your children to Priory Vale's primary Vale's schools and properties from
services, brush up on their
schools, contact Swindon Borough Council's schools computer skills, hire halls for many of the UK's leading house
admissions team on 01793 463902. Forms will be available builders, visit www.prioryvale.com
events or music rooms for band
from September 2005. or call the Priory Vale Visitor Centre
practices, they can book them all
At this time, you will also be able to download a form at through the Campus' managers: on 0800 072 5550.
www.swindoneducation.org.uk (click on 'Admission to Equion Facilities Management. For a closer look at each of
Swindon Schools'.) Application forms for the mainstream "I'm convinced that not only will the forthcoming schools,
secondary school will be available in September 2006. the schools and Learning Campus please see pages 4 & 5...