Abbey Gate College Infant and Junior School recently welcomed a special guest to officially open its new Foundation and Infant School building. The Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, along with the Trustees of the Grosvenor Estate, unveiled a commemorative plaque at the opening.
His Grace also 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 school house badges which will be opened in 2118.
Set in the village of Aldford, the co-educational school’s 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 heritage of the village.
The new energy-efficient building provides three spacious classrooms with covered outdoor areas. The development also provides a library area 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.
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.”
Marie Hickey, Head of the Infant and Junior School, said: “Our children now benefit from beautiful purpose-built classrooms, all of which connect to the exceptional outdoor space we are privileged to have.”
