Ponteland schools and leisure project shortlisted for regional awards
27 Jul 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Northumberland’s state-of-the-art schools and leisure project in Ponteland has been shortlisted in four categories at the Construction Excellence North East (CENE) awards.
The unique development in the heart of Northumberland has been shortlisted in the Integration and Collaboration, Innovation, Value, and Building Project of the Year categories.
The multi-million pound development encompasses a primary school, high school, leisure centre and fire station and harnesses the opportunity for collocation and collaboration to achieve better outcomes for all areas of education, health, wellbeing and community.
Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member with responsibility for children’s services, said: “It is great to hear that this project has been shortlisted in these categories and recognised for its uniqueness. I know this project has had and will continue to have a huge impact on the children and young people of Ponteland, the wider community and surrounding areas thanks to its lifelong learning offer.”
Now home to a 420-place primary school, 1,600-place high school, library and leisure centre with 25m pool, learner pool, aqua play, gym, café, clip ‘n’ climb, soft play, spa, bar and 3G and grass sports pitches, the development offers all that was asked of its users, whilst also providing a lifelong legacy for the community, allowing residents of all ages and abilities to use the facilities.
Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member with responsibility for healthy lives, said: “We are so pleased with the new leisure offer in Ponteland. There is something for everyone to enjoy, and the facilities on offer deserve recognition.
“A lot of thought was put into the development by all involved from users to the project team. It shows real partnership working to achieve something great for our county.”
Northumberland County Council worked in partnership with Kier Construction, FaulknerBrowns and Faithful+Gould to bring to life the vision of users, the local community and the local authority.
Dan Doherty, regional director at Kier Regional Building North & Scotland, said: “Ponteland’s shortlisting in four categories at the CENE awards highlights the success of the project, created through collaborative working of all parties involved. We look forwards to the announcement of the winners in October.”
The primary and high schools opened in November 2020, with the leisure centre opening to the community in line with Covid-19 restriction easing by government.
The awards take place in October when winners will be announced.