Detailed design options for the multi-million-pound investment into Berwick Academy will go on display for the first time next week, 9 July.
Feedback from the event will help shape the outline business case that is being prepared for the Council’s Cabinet and will contain final recommendations for the project, says Northumberland County Council (NCC).
North Northumberland MP, David Smith, told The Bridge in an interview for the magazine (out week beginning 7 July), marking his first anniversary in the job , that the Government awaits the full business case from NCC before it can talk about figures. The business case is not due to be presented until September.
The Council says it has committed over £50m to schools in north Northumberland as part of its major investment in education across the county.
This involves the transition of the area’s first schools and Berwick Academy into primary schools and a secondary school, along with the creation of more specialist, post-16 and community facilities.
The total investment now stands at £50.225m and will deliver facilities for the Berwick Partnership, ‘supporting education in the area for generations to come’.
The Council says it is in discussions with the Department for Education to contribute £13m towards the school to replace the outdated academy buildings. As mentioned, David Smith MP awaits the business case before he can consult the Government on funding.
‘I’m really concerned about the time frame and about it dragging It’s my number one priority,’ Mr Smith told The Bridge. ‘I’ve been asking for the business case since last autumn. I was promised that by April, and I’ve just found out the council will now see it in September.’
Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet member for Inspiring Young People, said: ‘We’re delighted to be able to share these initial designs from our technical advisors who have been working closely with us and the school to bring our vision for Berwick Academy to life.
‘It is a great opportunity to come along and have a look at the different design options, speak to the people who have helped develop them and give feedback. This will then contribute to the final recommendations made in the outline business case. Across the wider partnership, work is progressing on schedule to expand the first schools so they are ready to transition into primary schools from September 2025, with extra facilities for SEN provision and a family hub too.
‘We remain committed to supporting all our children, young people, their families and school staff during this transition process.’
Ben Ryder, headteacher, Berwick Academy, said: ‘This is an exciting milestone in the journey of transforming our vision for Berwick Academy into reality. A lot of work has been taking place behind the scenes to develop these designs and we’re looking forward to sharing them with the whole community and to hear their views.’
Northumberland County Council’s community event : Berwick Academy, Wednesday July 9 from 6.30pm – 8.30pm