Construction of New Sports Activity Centre & Classroom Suite Begins

The construction of Selby High School’s fantastic new PE & sports activity centre, classroom suite and state of the art changing rooms started today. The ‘breaking ground ceremony’ was attended by Mr Grant Gibson, Chair of the Board of Governors, Mr Andrew Kelsey from GS Kelsey Limited, the construction company, Mr Paul Eckersley, Headteacher, Mr Stuart Lewis, Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Kerry Longley, Commercial Director and Mr Richard Morrice, Glenrate Project Management Limited.

The building is the result of fifteen month’s work to secure the planning permission and finance. It will be ready for use by February 2017 and this week the major ground work starts, with the steel work being brought to site in July.

The £1.2 million development will provide new, inclusive access to the sport hall as well as changing and showering facilities for those with disabilities.  Above the new changing rooms, four classrooms and an administration area will provide students with a high quality learning environment, whilst the existing changing rooms will be converted into a classroom and fitness suite. 

This is one of a long line of improvements totalling more than £5m that have been secured by Paul Eckersley over the last decade, and is the third new building to be constructed during his headship.

Not only will this be an excellent new facility for the students of Selby High School, the changing rooms will also be available for use by the many clubs and associations that use the school site in the evening and at weekends and the fitness suite will available for hire.  Local football including 5 a-side clubs, rugby sessions, cricket teams and badminton clubs will all enjoy the improved space. 

The design and planning process has been really exciting for everyone involved.  Paul Eckersley, Headteacher said, “Physical wellbeing is a really important aspect in nurturing the whole student and as such, they will soon have the high quality facilities they deserve.  I am confident these will encourage more young people to become actively involved in sport and at the same time, provide the school with much needed extra teaching spaces. We are all really looking forward to the new centre opening in February 2017.”

Pictured from left to right: Mr Grant Gibson, Chair of the Board of Governors, Mr Andrew Kelsey from GS Kelsey Limited, Mr Stuart Lewis, Deputy Headteacher, Mr Paul Eckersley, Headteacher, Mrs Kerry Longley, Commercial Director, Mr Richard Morrice, Glenrate Project Management Limited and Mr Peter Grundy, Facilities Manager.