WORK on the £33.8 million secondary school being built at Bemahague, Onchan, is on time and on budget, the Department of Education and Children has said.
From September 2012 the school will accommodate around 800 pupils from years 7 to 9 (11 to 14 year olds) at St Ninian's High School.
Yesterday (Thursday) Lieutenant Governor Vice Admiral Sir Paul Haddacks and Lady Haddacks were shown around the 18 acre site - which borders Government House - by Richard Collister, estates director with the Department of Education and Children, and Andy Fox, headteacher at St Ninian's.
His Excellency said: "The new school is a marvellous addition to the secondary school educational facilities in Douglas and will be of great benefit to generations of our young people."
Mr Collister said: "The main contractor, Auldyn Construction, and its subcontractors continue their good progression with the works.
"With the conclusion of steelwork erection to the sports hall block, the steel frame erection is now complete and so the interesting shape and form of the new school building, and its relationship with the site levels, is now clear.
"Works continue to the building envelope with roofing works ongoing and external walling/glazing progressing steadily.
"Internally, fit-out works are proceeding with the erection of the internal partitions, mechanical services pipe work and ductworks and the electrical installations.
"Externally drainage works continue, with pitch/bank top soiling ready for grass seeding.
"The project is on programme for completion in July 2012 and operation from September 2012."
The existing St Ninian's High School building will house Years 10 and 11 - 14 to 16 year olds - and sixth form students (16 to 18 year olds).
Mr Fox said: "Every time I visit the site it is amazing to see the developments that have taken place. Many parts of the building are now starting to take shape and resemble a school with corridors and classrooms rather than purely a building site.
"The staff and students are following the progress with much interest and excitement. I know all are looking forward to September 2012 when we will see facilities that are second to none being enjoyed by our students and, of course, the community at large."
