£78m cash package for five city schools
FIVE secondary schools in Plymouth are to undergo a revamp in a massive funding package from the Government.
Plymouth City Council learned yesterday that it is to get funding worth just under £80million to invest in city schools as part of the Building Schools for the Future Programme.
-
CELEBRATING: The leader of the city council, Vivien Pengelly, is joined by Cllr Grant Monahan, Bronwen Lacey and Gareth Simmons, programme director for the learning environment, to celebrate £78m government cash for city schools
Council education chiefs said the initial investment would be used for five secondary schools to support major refurbishments planned for Tamarside and John Kitto community colleges as part of their move to academy status.
The funding will also be used, they said, to refurbish Lipson Community College, together with an investment in computing at Wood View Learning Community – and a new secondary school for Devonport to replace Stoke Damerel Community College.
The funding will also enable the city to continue its ambitious programme to "transform its schools, raise the aspirations of young people and put education at the heart of regenerating communities", said city council chiefs.
Cabinet member for children and young people Cllr Grant Monahan said: "I am delighted as it means that this funding will enable us to continue with our programme to create learning environments for the next generation of learners. It also shows that the Government has recognised the council's ability to deliver our goals."
The initial investment will be in the region of £78m and that could be followed by future investment for as much as £300m over the whole of the BSF programme.
Council director of children's services Bronwen Lacey said: "We had to prove we are ready, willing and able to deliver all our ambitious plans to provide Plymouth's children and young people and all our staff in our schools with the very best 21st century learning environments. We also needed to be satisfied that our strategy fits the city's ambitious growth agenda as well as creating strong and sustainable neighbourhoods."
Leader of the council Cllr Vivien Pengelly said: "It is fantastic for Plymouth's economy that we can now use this investment in our children and young people to make a difference for Plymouth's commercial, social and economic future."
Plymouth learned yesterday it is now one of 12 authorities new to BSF. Devon County Council was also given the green light. Tim Byles, chief executive of Partnerships for Schools, the organisation responsible for delivering the national BSF programme, said it was a "major milestone for the city of Plymouth".
Plymouth Sutton MP Linda Gilroy said: "Plymouth has some fantastic people working successfully to raise standards in education. Now they and their students will get the new facilities that they deserve."
Plymouth Devonport MP Alison Seabeck added: "This makes for a great Christmas present for the whole city."
4 Comments
by WR, Plymouth
Tuesday, December 08 2009, 5:27PM
“What does Bronwen Lacy know about the standard of schools in Plymouth. I laugh at her misguided thoughts and belief, children and staff working in an environment fit for the 21st century! She clearly knows nothing about the state of Austin Farm Primary School. Children and staff working in totally inadequate huts, not fit for the 20th century let alone the 21st! The school has been promised twice that they would have a rebuild and twice the school has been let down just to see other schools receiving funding. When is fairness going to be considered by this council and Bronwen Lace?”
by lee, crownhill
Tuesday, December 01 2009, 2:23PM
“jonny - so its fine to carry on borrowing and spending money we don't have? When will people like you realise the gravy train has to stop - how much more should taxes rise by? - the nation is stony broke”
by Barnacle Bill, Plymouth
Tuesday, December 01 2009, 1:28PM
“Some may call me negative but it's not quite enough to knock them down and start again is it ?
I wonder how much is to be wasted by the great decision makers in the council and schools on which latest computer suites to have and what flooring would be nice to have instead of repair on leaking roofs/ structures and the making good of sub standard builds from previous years modernisations that have been pushed through on tight budgets just to make do.
It would also be nice to know that substandard heating and ventilation systems will be put right but I doubt it! Maybe they will be able to finally rid the asbestos problems that are still managed but not removed. It would be nice to think that the refurbishments would even maybe make the buildings easier to manage than they are today.
I doubt it so we will have to wait until the next money train rolls in to Plymouth to put right the failings from this cash injection.”
by Jonny, Plymouth
Tuesday, December 01 2009, 11:24AM
“Great news - infrastructure is expensive and often neglected. Just a shame that the Conservatives have planned for a £4.5 billion cut in the Building Schools for the Future budget if they win the General Election”