West Berkshire school unveils new £9m science centre

Construction work on the £9m project at the Tilehurst school began in July last year, with funding coming from West Berkshire Council, central government, and the school.
As well as the new science and technology block, which includes nine science rooms, a science laboratory, two food technology rooms, and a communal space, the former caretaker's bungalow has been converted into a 22 place pre-school nursery.
The next stage of the project is to construct new sixth form centre, community room, child care facilities, and space for music technology, which is scheduled to be completed in October.
Headteacher at the Long Lane school, Glyn Whiteford said: “I think the building is fantastic. It’s really met our design objectives and is a positive symbol of the council and community’s investment in the school.
“The facility will greatly enhance our already excellent track record of success at Key Stage five and enable us to offer a broader range of courses to prospective sixth form students in both traditional and vocational subjects.”
West Berkshire's executive member for education, Irene Neill (Con, Aldermaston) was impressed with the new facilities during her visit of the school on Friday.
"This is the stage at which the project becomes a reality,” she said. “The students have already started to use the wonderful new facilities in science and food technology. They know that very soon they will benefit from further fantastic spaces for many other subjects across the school."
The construction was undertaken by Willmott Dixon
Managing Director at Willmott Dixon, who constructed the building, John Waterman said: "Willmott Dixon is delighted to be handing over the first phase of this scheme. We have enjoyed being a part of this local community since last year and we are thrilled for the school to have the first phase of their new building ready for use. We look forward to completing the rest of the works in the run up to the end of the year."