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ISG Plc has been awarded a refurbishment contract via the North West Construction Hub (NWCH) framework, to renovate and fit out a building, which will accommodate the Greater Manchester’s first ‘Free School’.

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Estimated to cost £6 million ($9.2814 million), the fast-track project will transform a disused secondary school in Atherton, Greater Manchester, into Atherton Community School, which will be delivered by Chapel St Community Schools Trust, along with local parents, teachers and community leaders.

Upon completion of the refurbishment project, the school will accommodate 650 pupils, including a dedicated sixth form teaching block with capacity for up to 200 senior students.

The refurbishment project includes the demolition of the existing Design & Technology block and drama studio, along with the complete strip out to shell and core of the remainder of the building. It will involve the installation of efficient mechanical and electrical services, creation of new classrooms, toilet blocks, a commercial kitchen and staff rooms.

The refurbishment will equip the Science and Design & Technology blocks with specialist laboratory equipment. Externally, a new car park for the sixth form will be created and the current landscaping scheme will be remodeled to provide an improved environment and enhanced accessibility.

The refurbished Atherton Community School will move across to its new site in September 2013.