June 05 - New Schools for Former St. Bernard's Hospital Building
Formally announced today, Minister for Education Gilbert Licudi outlined the Government’s plans to convert the former St. Bernard’s Hospital into St. Bernard’s First and Middle Schools. As promised in the Government’s 2011 General Election Manifesto, Sacred Heart Middle School will be re-homed and re-named in the revamped building.
The schools will provide facilities for a sports court and sports hall, which will be shared by both schools, and will be available for public use after school hours. The building will house 16 classroom for the Middle School, as well as a library and a number of specialised rooms for Music, ICT, Art and Science. St. Bernard’s Middle School will also feature a glass roofed central hall, which will be available for students an teachers to carry out social and education activities.
Minister Licudi explained that this multi-purpose atrium had proved extremely popular with schools in the UK. Parking facilities will be available underneath a waiting podium, which will allow for parents pick up and drop off children without the danger of being amongst vehicular traffic.
He added that minor demolition, including soft stripping of the former hospital building will be carried out immediately. They expect the works to be fully completed in time for the 2015 intake of school children.
It was also noted that the schools will cater for an equal number of students as other First and Middle Schools within Gibraltar, allowing for a balance of pupil numbers to be restored within other schools in the area. The Government currently has no plans for the current Sacred Heart building, following the move.
Minister with responsibility for Urban Renewal, Dr. Cortes noted that this work will provide a new hub of activity for the Upper Town, including two schools, which will be vibrant. He added that the additional sports facility will also generate movement and life, meaning that it’s likely other things will take off, in the area. Dr. Cortes claimed that this kind of investment does revitalise the Upper Town, which has seemed run down in recent years.
With regards to the cost of the project, Minister Licudi noted that the project will involve a substantial investment, but as of yet, no final cost has been calculated. The project will be submitted to the Development and Planning Commission next week, for guidance and advice.
