Bids To Build Brand New Schools In Rochdale

Schoolgirl working

More new schools for Middleton and Heywood could be on the cards, as Rochdale Council has submitted bids to the Government for funding to build *new premises for Heap Bridge and Our Lady & St Paul's RC Primary schools in Heywood, a new building at St Mary's RC Primary School in Middleton, and a completely new school in Middleton on the Langley estate, to replace the two existing community primary schools that serve the area."

The two Heywood bids are similar to others submitted two years ago. The project would involve Heap Bridge relocating to share the site of Our Lady & St Paul's on Sutherland Road and would result in the existing Our Lady buildings being remodelled. The bid for St Mary's would see the school relocated to a new building on the school's current site. The final bid - for a new school on Langley - would mean Furrow and Langley primary schools being amalgamated into a single new school. No decision has yet been taken about a site for this school.

Initial discussions have taken place with the Heads and Chairs of Governors of the schools involved. They have shown their support for the Council's plans. Once a decision has been made on the bids - expected in September, the Council will undertake full consultation with parents about the proposals.

The bidding process is very competitive and the chances of all 4 bids succeeding are slim. But, if successful, these projects will add to the unprecedented projects that are already underway in Rochdale schools. Projects for six new primary schools, a remodelled secondary school and three new special schools are either completed or underway and the Council hopes that it will be able to add these four new projects to that list. Further information Andy Smart, School Reorganisation Manager, Tel (01706) 865014.