It was most people’s preferred site in a public consultation last Autumn and has been designed around a central street with better facilities for wheelchair users, extensive landscaping and links to the cycle track. The school site will also house the Branch Library, open to the public.
The current school site is old and cramped – it was built in the sixties for an estimated school population of 450, but it now has 800 pupils.
Education Minister Rod Bryans said: “The current Les Quennevais School buildings have served the island well but are now too small, outdated and not on the right site. Children in the west of the Island should have the same educational experience as their friends at other schools so this is well overdue. It will be the single largest investment in education for many years and I am delighted to see it moving forward.”
Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel said: “Our architects, who have a lot of experience in delivering school facilities, have produced a really interesting design which delivers the functionality of a modern educational establishment together with a stylish design.”
Jersey Property Holdings and the Education department are planning on holding a number of events including a residents’ meeting, parents’ presentation, public meeting and meeting with interested groups to answer people’s questions on the plans.