European funding for 11 new schools in the North West

Building work is set to commence in the next few weeks of existing school sites in Blackpool, Wigan, Birkenhead, Chester, Stockport and Manchester, and will include the demolition of existing structures and the building of new classroom, canteen and administration facilities.

Jonathan Taylor, Vice President of the EIB, said: "Today’s agreement enables construction of new schools across the north-west of England that will improve education facilities and benefit local construction companies as part of the wider Priority School Building Programme."

The £50.7 million long term loan funding will support the construction of six primary schools and five secondary schools. The primary schools chosen are Hawes Side Primary School in Blackpool, Dee Point Primary School and J.H. Godwin Primary School in Blacon, Bedford Drive Primary School in Birkenhead, Bridge Hall Primary School in Stockport and Plymouth Grove Primary School in Chorlton on Medlock, Manchester. The five secondary schools chosen are the South Shore Academy in Blackpool, the Deanery Church of England High School in Wigan, Ridgeway High School in Prenton, Blacon High School in Chester and Neston High School.

The funding is a further show of support by the EIB who have already committed support in the construction seven new schools within the Home Counties and 12 new schools in the North East.

Taylor continued: "We look forward to confirming support for new projects in the region in the coming months as part of our commitment to backing long-term investment in the UK."

The schools are part of the Priority School Building Programme that will support the construction of a total of 46 new state primary and secondary schools across England. The European Investment Bank will provide around £274 million for the overall programme under a 25 year lending agreement.

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