28/10/11 The Skinners' Kent Academy - Foundation for the future

Diggers have moved in to start work on the foundations of the new building for the Skinners' Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells.

To celebrate this milestone and the £21.4million investment – students, staff and governors were joined by Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark and Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Education, Learning and Skills, Mike Whiting.

The state-of-the-art building, which will feature the latest computer technology, is expected to be completed in early 2013.

It will include facilities for the academy's science and engineering specialism, a lecture theatre and gallery and the redevelopment of the academy's 29 acres of grounds. This will include outdoor learning areas, performance spaces, excellent sport facilities and nature trails.

Principal of the Skinners' Kent Academy, Sian Carr, said: "We have been creating this new school for Tunbridge Wells over the last two years and have achieved amazing results in our old facilities. With the new building we will be able to give our students even better opportunities."

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Education, Learning and Skills, Mike Whiting, said: "It is fantastic to see work get underway and the excitement among the students and staff is clear for all to see. This is a significant investment in education in Tunbridge Wells, which will benefit generations to come. In the immediate months, there will be a welcome boost to the construction industry and knock-on effects for the local economy."

MP for Tunbridge Wells, Greg Clark, said: "This is a ground breaking academy, transforming the educational landscape of Tunbridge Wells."

The contractor for the academy is Willmott Dixon. Its director of operations in the southern home counties, Jason Wellard, said: "Willmott Dixon is delighted to be working with KCC and Skinners' Academy on what is going to be an excellent learning and working environment. Work is progressing well with the demolition of the old buildings nearing completion and the foundations are now being constructed. By Christmas we will have completed the groundworks and foundations, and will start on the main structure of the building."

Log on to the Skinners' Kent Academy website at www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk and take a peek into future with a computer-generated tour of the new building.

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