WORK on a new block at Castell Alun High School is shaping up.

Flintshire Council, from its capital programme, is investing almost £5m in the Hope-based high school for a new three storey Art and Design Technology block that will include specialist classrooms along with general teaching spaces, offices and toilets.

The project also includes the demolition of the current technology block to create additional parking and a replacement of the roof over the existing music department.

Since December, the project has benefitted from additional funding of £475,000 from the Welsh Government’s schools capital repair and maintenance grant.

This work will create a new and inspiring learning space for both students and teachers as well as providing employment and learning opportunities for our community.

The total investment is just over £8.2m.

The Leader:

Cllr Christine Jones, Flintshire Council's deputy leader, said: “I welcome this additional funding for Castell Alun High School which will complement this major investment programme funded by the council, already well underway.

"We will now be able to replace the existing All Weather Pitch and refurbish the music area – both of which will complete the range of improvements planned for the school and enhance their delivery of important parts of the curriculum, such as Physical Education and Music.”

The contractors, Willmott Dixon, began work in October 2020 and the work is due to be completed by early 2022. To date, the works have included laying foundations for the new build, drainage works, tarmac and line of a coach car park.

Head teacher at the school, Colin Ellis, said: "It’s been exciting to see this new learning block take shape over the past few months. It’s being built to a high standard and will provide modern, first class facilities and the best learning opportunities for our learners and the wider community. I look forward to seeing the completed building and moving our learners in.”

Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in North Wales, said: "We are very proud to be working alongside Flintshire County Council to create these exciting and important facilities which will provide pupils and the local community with the very best learning opportunities.

“Castell Alun High School, its pupils and the entire local community have been so engaged and welcoming throughout the project. We believe in delivering brilliant buildings that strengthening communities and this really is a project delivered for local people by local people, as we have invested more than £4.9m of our project spend to date with local supply chain partners, as well as creating new local employment opportunities.”