Miller topping out at Gainsborough

Miller Construction has been ‘topping out’ as part of the construction of Gainsborough Educational Village in Lincolnshire.

As the main contractor for the 75 week project, which will see the creation of two new-build schools on a single site, Miller has been marking the occasion of constructing the highest point of the building with an official ceremony.

Councillor Mrs Christine Talbot, Executive Councillor for Secondary Education and Healthier Communities, who was present at the ceremony commented, “It’s wonderful to be involved in marking the completion of the highest point of the building for this impressive development.

“Local residents will no doubt be aware of the four-storey structure taking shape over the town’s skyline. Not only will the new facilities provide the very best curriculum for young people with a wide range of needs in the Gainsborough area, it will also create better opportunities to help raise educational standards.”

Steve McManaman from Miller Construction, who assisted Councillor Talbot during the ceremony said: "The topping out ceremony is really a exciting way for us to show all the parties who've been involved in the project from day one how we're getting on.

“It's also is a way for us to wish the best of luck not only to the 1,312 students who will be coming here to study in 2009, but to all the pupils who benefit from the facilities here in the future."

The two new schools are part of a £33m scheme, known as the Gainsborough Educational Village, which is largely funded by the County Council.

The larger of the two schools, North Trent Academy, will consist of a four-storey teaching block and a three storey admin/drama block covering 15,000 sq m to accommodate 1,200 secondary school students.

The smaller school will be a new 112-place special school for primary and secondary education housed within a single storey building. The building will have a range of special therapy facilities including a new hydrotherapy pool.