The school of the future
Bury Times Newspaper article
RRS in headline news
SOLAR panels and wind turbines are part of the futuristic vision for Radcliffe's
new £17 million high school.
The future of Radcliffe Riverside will be green - if the energy-saving
ideas for the hi-tech new building get off the ground.
Bury Council, which is working alongside governors and parents, revealed
the "concept design" at a series of public presentations.
As well as an artist's impression of what the state-of-the-art school might
look like, parents and residents were given an insight into the planned
layout.
Alongside plans for wind turbines and solar panels, ideas include:
- Light-filled classrooms to cut energy usage and improve pupils' learning
environment
- An emphasis on access to the school for the whole community with adult
education classes as well as community sports and music facilities
- Giving younger pupils their own separate spaces to ensure they better
enjoy the transition from local primary schools
The new complex is due to open in September 2007 on the old East Lancs
Paper Mill site.
It marks the final phase of the reorganisation of secondary school teaching
in Radcliffe, following the federation of Radcliffe and Coney Green high
schools in 2003.
Diana Morton, Riverside High School headteacher, said: "Because it is not
being funded by any outside concern we will get what we want for our school.
"We have already held discussions with the children and the architects and
are now considering feedback from parents and other residents from last week's
presentation."
Plans for the East Lancs Paper Mill site, part of the Reinventing Radcliffe
scheme, is still for a mixed-use neighbourhood incorporating the new school.
Copyright Bury Times
© Radcliffe Riverside 2008
