New Saddleworth School Site Announced

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE EDUCATION FUNDING AGENCY, OLDHAM COUNCIL AND SADDLEWORTH SCHOOL

PREFERRED SITE FOR SADDLEWORTH SCHOOL CONFIRMED.

Work on a feasibility study to identify and review the options to address the significant condition need at Saddleworth Secondary School is now complete.

The Education Funding Agency (EFA) led this study which has concluded that the preferred option is to locate a new school building and facilities on the rear of the former WH Shaw Pallets Works in Diggle. This conclusion is supported by the EFA, Saddleworth School and Oldham Council.

The EFA is managing the project on behalf of the Department for Education as part of the Government’s Priority School Building Programme, a £2.4 billion programme to rebuild or refurbish 260 schools in the worst state across the country.

The study identified and reviewed four potential options: two using the existing Saddleworth School site in Uppermill; one using land at the front of the WH Shaw site; and one using land at the rear of the WH Shaw site.

This preferred option will provide the largest possible site for the new school – approximately 18 acres in size – and would see dilapidated industrial buildings cleared to make way for the new school, sports hall and ancillary buildings. Green Belt land would be used only for the provision of sports pitches, which would be available for community use.

Matthew Milburn, Headteacher of Saddleworth School, said: “This is a hugely important day for Saddleworth School and the local community.”

“We know the location of the new school has been a contentious issue and it was absolutely right that all possible options were evaluated and all interests considered to confirm the best solution.

“This feasibility study takes a large number of factors into account and has been a significant piece of work by the EFA.

“We welcome confirmation of the preferred site and are now keen to get working alongside all interested parties to get the detail right and deliver the fantastic school that Saddleworth has long needed.”

An EFA spokesperson said: “We have now completed the feasibility study for the new Saddleworth School.”

“It was important that we assessed the suitability of each option identified to ensure that the most viable and suitable option was chosen.

“In the final analysis the site to the rear of the Pallet Works in Diggle stood out as being the best option.

“Today we are meeting several interested parties to discuss the findings. We then look forward to working alongside them and our contractor to move this project forward.”

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “It was absolutely right that we listened to public feedback and concerns and that the EFA thoroughly examined all options.”

“I’m pleased this process is complete and the full facts about each site – based on intrusive survey works – were considered.

“The EFA’s study confirms that the ‘rear Diggle’ site offers the very best opportunity to deliver a long-term site for the school giving future generations of pupils, parents and staff the quality school campus with good facilities they have lacked for so long.

“The site evaluation process is now over and it is vitally important that everyone involved starts to look forward. I would urge all interested parties in the community to join with us now in focussing our energy on developing a scheme that balances the range of views and works best for everyone.

“We know there are challenges associated with the chosen Diggle site in terms of vital works needed. These will include carriageway and footpath widening, residents’ car parking, fencing work, the introduction of a School Safety Zone and more. Oldham Council has committed to undertaking these works to support the successful delivery of the project.”

Interserve has been selected as the contractor to design and build the new school. They will now progress to the design stage which will start later this month. As part of the design development, Interserve will consult publically prior to submitting a planning application.

It is estimated that the new Saddleworth School could open in Spring 2017.

Announcement Letter From The Head Teacher

New School Site Location and Plan

New Saddleworth School FAQs

Article added on Friday 30th January 2015