Latest stage of Ponteland schools work set to start
22 Apr 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
The next step towards completion of Ponteland’s state-of-the-art new school and leisure development is getting underway - with the works to create the new accesses for the school.
The works at Callerton Lane will improve the current road system and provide proper access to the new site.
The roadworks are expected to take around 18 weeks, with the council changing working practises to ensure that it keeps its workforce safe during the coronavirus situation. Social distancing will be adhered to throughout these essential works.
The work has been deemed critical by the council to make sure the school will be ready for pupils as soon as possible.
Once finished, the £43 million development will feature a 1,600 pupil secondary school, a 420-pupil primary school, a 52-place nursery, a leisure centre and pool, a library and a cafe.
A one-way system along Callerton Lane will be in place throughout the construction works to minimise any potential traffic issues.
Councillor Wayne Daley, the County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This is a key part of one of the largest developments ever delivered by Northumberland County Council.
“We’re now in the final stages of this extremely ambitious project to provide two fantastic new schools plus state-of-the-art leisure and community and sports facilities which I know the people from Ponteland and surrounding communities will love.”
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services added: “It is crucial we get these works done now to allow the schools to open as soon as possible.
“As with any major project there will be a small level of disruption which we are working to keep to a minimum, but I want to thank people in advance for their understanding while this critical infrastructure for this wonderful project is created.”
During the works, the council will also be carrying out advanced design work of surface water drainage on behalf of the Environment Agency. These works will complement the Ponteland Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) and will aim to capture surface water that, in times of extreme weather, currently flows along Callerton Lane and has the potential to flood properties in the Mayfair Gardens area.