Fifth London Diocese Academy takes shape in Chelsea

17/12/09

An innovative new Church of England Academy, being created in the heart of Chelsea reached a major milestone last week.

The project, which is co-sponsored by the Diocese of London and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, includes the creation of a 5-storey tower and a two to three storey accommodation block and sports hallway. The building was last week 'topped out' at a ceremony led by James Wates, Deputy Chairman of Wates Group who are leading the construction project, and Academy sponsors Inigo Woolf, Director Finance and Resources, London Diocesan Board for Schools and Councillor Merrick Cockell, Leader of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The Revd Rob Gillion, Rector at Holy Trinity Sloane Square blessed the building, assisted by pupils at the school.

The entire scheme is due for completion in the summer of 2010, ahead of the start of the 2010/11 academic year.

Inigo Woolf, Director Finance and Resources, London Diocesan Board for Schools, said:

"I am extremely pleased at the marvellous progress that is being made at Chelsea Academy and look forward to September 2010 when the new school building will welcome pupils.

"This is the fifth Church of England Academy in the London Diocese - a growth and expansion which reflects our commitment to high quality education. I am very proud to be a part of today’s celebration."

Richard Shroll, Wates Project Director, said:

"We are delighted that this tremendous project has progressed so well and remains firmly on track for completion next summer, on time and on budget. The entire construction team has contributed to successfully reaching this important milestone and we look forward to creating an Academy that will be a credit to Kensington and Chelsea and inspire all its new pupils in the future.

Councillor Merrick Cockell, said:

"I am delighted to be able to take part in the topping out ceremony of what is clearly going to be a very fine building. We have very high aspirations for the Chelsea Academy and have long been determined to provide its pupils with a building where they can prosper. I now look forward eagerly to it opening its doors to pupils for the first time in September 2010."