Contractors hand over keys for St Anne’s Academy

Outgoing Principal Eric Jackson (centre) with representatives from Willmott Dixon

Keys to the brand new St Anne’s Academy have been handed to Principal Eric Jackson following a two year design and build project.

Despite the building not officially opening until December 2010, contractors Willmott Dixon wanted to take the opportunity to do a handover on Principal Eric Jackson’s last day at the Academy in August.

The pupils, along with their new Principal Caroline Preece, have now moved into their new state of the art £16.3 million building with just the external landscaping and demolition of the old school site to do before the official opening in December 2010.

Councillor Teresa Fitzsimons, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families said: “This is excellent news; the academy now boasts state-of-the-art facilities that will bring real benefits to the staff and all their students. Rochdale Borough Council is committed to education and this project is another example of our intention to provide first class facilities for the future.”

Outgoing principal Eric Jackson said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the future of education in the area. The new St Anne’s Academy is an outstanding place of teaching and learning, supported by excellent facilities that will give students, staff and the community the opportunities they deserve and I am honoured to have been part of it."