Rebuilding work at blaze-hit school

A turf cutting ceremony will mark the start of the £10.7m project at Carleton Community High School.

The school in Pontefract was devastated by fire in October 2008 most of the buildings and infrastructure being destroyed. Building work is now due to begin on parts that were lost including the main hall, teaching areas, learning resources centre, sports and performing arts facilities and administration and dining areas.

The ceremony, which will take place on May 23, will be attended by pupils and staff from the school, local primary schools and members of the local community as well as representatives from Wakefield Council and its partners.

Wakefield Council’s corporate director for family services, Elaine McHale, said: “I’m delighted that building work is due to start and that staff and pupils will soon be able to enjoy some fantastic new facilities.”

The school will also be burying a time capsule to commemorate the occasion.

Included in the capsule will be a DVD about the school, the school newsletter, school badge and tie, a local newspaper, an Olympic commemorative coin and images of the Royal wedding.

Headteacher Rob Foreman said: “Everyone in school and the community are very excited about our new facilities. We have spent time developing the ideas of what we want to use the new facilities for and how they will reflect the vision for our pupils and community.”

Wakefield Council is working with Norfolk Property Services (NPS North East) and BAM Construction Ltd on the rebuild.

Work is expected to be completed by September 2012, allowing students to return to school after the summer break and overall completion is planned for November 2012.