WORK has started this week with contractor Bardsley Construction making the first moves to prepare the site with the aim of starting the building process in earnest early in the New Year.
The school’s netball courts have been converted into staff car parks and a hoarding will go up around the existing visitors’ car park where the Sixth Form facility will be built.
Alder Grange head of school David Hampson says: “We are delighted to see builders on site this week and the first signs that part of the process is finally under way because the Sixth Form represents one of the most positive developments in the education of Rossendale’s young people for many years.
“The school will offer a specifically developed curriculum, which will meet needs of students — one that is not offered elsewhere in the valley. This will mean fewer students having to travel out of the valley to colleges in Bury, Burnley and Accrington.
The major building work will start on January 4 and is expected to last for 12 months. The school’s first Sixth Form intake will be housed in temporary accommodation until the construction process is complete.
