• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

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Royal opening for Consett Academy and Leisure Centre

203A £44m County Durham development combining cutting edge education and modern leisure facilities will be officially opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester. (March 2)

People in Consett will welcome His Royal Highness, who will visit the town’s academy and leisure centre where he will meet students, staff and members of the local community.

During his visit The Duke will be taken on a tour of the building, where he will see students at work in the academy’s science laboratory and ‘Innovation Zone’ as well as members of the community using the leisure centre’s pools, squash courts and fitness equipment.

The development is at the heart of Durham County Council’s regeneration plan for Consett and has brought state-of-the-art education and leisure facilities to the town.

Consett Academy, sponsored by New College Durham and Durham County Council, was created in January 2012 and students moved into their new building in September 2015.

Kevin Reynolds, academy principal, said; “Four and a half years ago I had a vision for an iconic campus in Consett, and today this vision has been realised.

“The staff and students of Consett Academy are delighted with the new school. It is a wonderful place to work, study and socialise.

“I believe that we have the very best accommodation, teaching facilities and equipment of any school in the North East.

“Our students feel inspired and are already pushing the boundaries of achievement in terms of their learning.

“However, it is so much more than a new building. Together with our lead sponsor New College Durham, we are creating a forward thinking statement of a new vision for education in our area.”

The adjoining leisure centre, which opened in July 2015, is used by students, as part of their lessons and out-of-school activities, local sports clubs and the wider community.

The centre, which is owned by Durham County Council and managed by Leisureworks, boasts two swimming pools, an eight-court sports hall, squash courts, dance studios, a gymnasium and a full-size floodlit artificial 4G rugby pitch.

As part of the wider development, facilities for the local football club and rugby club have also been improved.

Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester to Consett Academy and Leisure Centre.

“This £44m development is the result of successful partnership working and is an important part of our regeneration plan for Consett.

“It represents a major investment in the town and local people are already enjoying the advantages of having these outstanding educational and leisure facilities on their doorstep.

“We know that the community – and young people in particular – will continue to benefit from the opportunities the leisure centre and academy offer for many years to come.”

HRH The Duke of Gloucester will unveil a commemorative plaque at both the academy and the leisure centre during his visit.

By admin