Pictured are Skanska Project Manager Ben Tanner and Bexley Council’s Project Manager Mike Ellsmore officially opening the new sports centre at Welling School, along with former pupils Adam Cottrell (Charlton Athletic FC), Peter Sweeney (Millwall FC) and Kimberley Dixson (Charlton Athletic Women’s FC), joined by Steve Gritt, Charlton Athletic’s Youth Academy Manager.
This is the first phase of the school to be completed and is part of a £36 million PFI contract to design, build, finance and operate two new schools for the London Borough of Bexley. The project is being delivered by an Investors in the Community (IIC) consortium, jointly owned by Skanska and Mill Group.
“The completion of this new sports hall is the culmination of a lot of hard work,” says Welling School’s Headteacher, Christine Jefferys. “I’d like to thank the Skanska project team who are absolutely fantastic. This project is an example, not only in the quality of design and finish, but also in the teamwork that has made this project. The future can only be brighter.”
The Bexley Schools PFI Scheme is helping to redevelop both education provision and community relations for young people in Bexleyheath and Welling, through modernising teaching facilities and establishing community police offices on site, ensuring that the schools maintain a constant link with the community.
“We are delighted to have completed the first major phase of this scheme on time and are thrilled that the pupils and staff of Welling School are so happy with their new sports facility,” says Henry Carruthers, Skanska’s director in the consortium. “We hope this will make a real contribution to a brighter and fitter future”.
Photos available on request.