A ‘Golden bolt’ for the University of Chichester Academy Trust
SECRETARY of State for Education Damian Hinds has celebrated the latest stage of Mill Chase Academy development with headteacher Paul Hemmings and the University Academy Trust at the ceremony in Bordon.
A ‘golden bolt’ ceremony symbolised completion of the mainframe structure of the new 900-place secondary school building which will be Mill Chase Academy’s new home. The bolt was secured by Mr Damian Hinds, who is also Member of Parliament for East Hampshire, .
Following a tour of the site by architect Liam Presley, who designed the state-of-the-art building, the Secretary of State commended headteacher Mr Paul Hemmings and the University of Chichester Academy Trust for the remarkable improvements made to the education provided by the school across the last three years and for the strong partnership between the Government, Hampshire County Council, the developers, and the Academy Trust which had resulted in the funding of the new school building.
Commenting on the occasion Damian Hinds said: “I was delighted to visit the site of the new Mill Chase Academy, and see the great progress being made on the build. The new school is another important part of the overall redevelopment happening in Whitehill and Bordon, alongside the new housing, commercial space and infrastructure that is already taking shape. It’s an exciting time for the town, and I look forward to seeing the school open in September 2019.”
Sue Samson, Chief Executive of the University of Chichester Academy Trust, thanked all the partners who had contributed to the project. She added: “There has been a significant transformation of educational provision at Mill Chase Academy under its dynamic headteacher Paul Hemmings and his wonderful staff team. Today marks another milestone in this shared endeavour. The provision of this new school building with its wonderful learning spaces will provide a lasting legacy which will play a major part in the prosperity of this community.”
Paul Hemmings said: “The construction team has wasted no time in completing the four steel frames for our buildings. I am overwhelmed by the scale of the outdoor spaces that we have. This will provide fantastic sports fields, including several pitches, an athletics track, long jump pit, an astro-turf pitch and a multi-use games area. Alongside this we will have a sculpture garden, a forest school learning area and a courtyard in the heart of the school for students to sit and read or chat before school and at break and lunchtimes.
“The architect team has clearly designed an exceptional learning space both inside and outside of the buildings. This time next year I will be holding the keys to our brand-new school which will be the start of an exciting new chapter in secondary schooling and a significant milestone in the history of education for our town.”
This spirit of partnership is core to the belief of the University of Chichester Academy Trust, which aims is to provide high quality education in local communities supporting people to exceed their own expectations and to see education as the key to growth, prosperity, health and happiness. The new school site is due for completion in the summer of 2019 to allow the Mill Chase Academy to move to its new home in time for the start of the academic year in the autumn term.
As well as a broad and diverse range of teaching and learning spaces, the new school will incorporate improved sports facilities including a flood-lit, all weather pitch and six indoor badminton courts. Further information can be found at www.unicat.org.uk.
