The Duke of Westminster has officially opened a new foundation and infant school building opened at Abbey Gate College
Abbey Gate College Infant and Junior School welcomed the Duke of Westminster and the Trustees of the Grosvenor Estate to officially open their new Foundation and Infant School building.
Set in the village of Aldford, the co-educational school offers pupils an idyllic environment in which to learn and grow to enable them to be the best they can be. The new development is made with Welsh blue slate, oak from the Eaton Estate and artisan brick from a local manufacturer, to ensure it is in keeping with the character and heritage of the village.
To mark the special occasion, on Thursday, 11 October, His Grace unveiled a commemorative plaque and placed the first shovels of soil on top of a time capsule containing items such as class photos, books, as well as a DVD and schoolhouse badges which will be opened in 2118.
The Duke said:
“Thank you for inviting me and the Trustees here today. This has been a fantastic job. The building has lived up to the high standards I hoped it would. I would like to say a huge well done to everybody involved and for doing it so quickly, even though it has been very complex at times. It is a project I’m particularly proud of because it’s the first project I have delivered since my father passed away two years ago. I took a great deal of interest in the design and the build. I hope it provides you with laughter, fun and learning and that you enjoy it for the future.”
Set in magnificent grounds the new energy efficient building provides three spacious classrooms with covered outdoor areas. The development also provides a library area and space for Learning Enrichment and has allowed the expansion of current facilities in the main building to include a dedicated art and design studio, music area, science lab and a more expansive library space.
Marie Hickey, Head of the Infant and Junior School, said:
“At Abbey Gate College, we are committed to ensuring that our children are given every opportunity to reach their potential. Our children now benefit from beautiful purpose built classrooms, all of which connect to the exceptional outdoor space we are privileged to have. This will not only enhance the children’s education but will also significantly contribute to their wellbeing, something that has always been of utmost importance to us.”
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