Transformation of Falinge Park and Wardle schools begins

The start of construction work for the new Falinge Park and Wardle high schools has been officially marked by turf cutting ceremonies.

Falinge Park and Wardle High are two of 13 secondary schools across the borough that are part of Rochdale’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.

Falinge Park High School

Head teacher Mr Robin Lonsdale, Chairwoman of Governors Glynis Foster and pupils were joined by Rochdale Mayor, Councillor James Gartside to celebrate the start of the multi-million pound development at Falinge Road, Rochdale.

When completed, the school will accommodate 1200 pupils and boast a range of new facilities including a large multi-purpose central space for drama and music performances, community use and dining.

The scheme will also see the complete refurbishment of existing spaces such as the sports hall, gym and hall which will be linked to the new build to create a wholly integrated new school.

Early demolition and foundation works have already been completed in readiness for the steel frame of the new buildings to be erected early in the New Year.


Wardle High School

The Mayor was also the guest of honour at the Wardle turf cutting event.

When completed, the construction works at Wardle High will see 70 per cent of the school completely rebuilt and the rest totally refurbished. The new build areas include a sports hall and changing facilities, technology, music and science blocks, all of which will be fully integrated with refurbished teaching areas through a central atrium dining space.

The existing swimming pool, sports hall and Anderson suite are being retained as standalone facilities which will continue to be managed by the school.

The scheme is fast taking shape, with the steel frame for the new sports hall already in place and foundation works for the new school building completed in readiness for the steel frame to be erected early in the New Year.

Both schools are due to be completed by the end of 2013.