New £2 million sports hall set for grand opening Monday, 29th April 2019

A new £2 million school sports facility designed by Ingleton Wood is set for its grand opening.

The 1,300 pupils who attend Highworth Grammar School in Ashford will now benefit from a state-of-the-art sports hall, which will provide students with the opportunity to take part in a range of sporting activities.

Previous Headteachers and staff will join current pupils and teachers for the celebratory event following the completion of the project.

The build began in Spring 2018 after funding was secured through the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund. This funding was accessed by Ingleton Wood, which also led on the design, planning and management of the construction phase on-site.

Max Chapman, Architectural Lead for the design team, said: “The project has been a real success, the design works really well within the context of the school and is looking great.

“We are delighted to have been involved in providing the school with a very impressive modern sports facility,” he said. “It will provide the students with a fantastic opportunity to play sport, both now and in the future.”

The £2 million funding was the second successful bid Ingleton Wood had achieved for the school – having also secured £700,000 to improve underground pipework in 2018.

Headteacher Paul Danielsen, commented: “As a school we are committed to growth and improvement and we are always looking to offer the very best experience we can to our students.

“The new state-of-the-art sports hall is a great way to achieve this – promoting physical activity and allowing our students to develop interests in other areas away from the classroom.”

Beardwell Construction was the main contractor for the works and Project Manager Stuart Drake was equally thrilled with the result: “With close teamwork and collaboration between Beardwell and Ingleton Wood, we have managed to complete a very successful project.

“This would not have been possible without the kind consideration and understanding of the school, its staff, pupils and parents. I am proud to be handing over a project that not only meets our high standards but also the full requirements of the school.”

The new facility consists of four new badminton courts also marked for basketball, volleyball and netball, sprung floors, an activity studio and a terrace overlooking the school’s playing field with staff and students alike excited by the prospect of using the new building for a wide range of recreational sporting activities.