The Ministry of Education is pleased to share the following information with the general public regarding the redevelopment of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School.
Before the passage of Hurricane Irma, the Ministry of Education embarked on a project in relation to the redevelopment of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. The impact of Hurricane Irma on the operation of the school hastened the efforts of the Ministry to provide suitable, purpose-built facilities for students and staff. To guide the process and provide constructive feedback, the Ministry formed the ALHCS Project Steering Committee, a large group of key stakeholders. Over the past months, the Ministry has been engaged in a series of meetings and discussions with this committee, the project consultants and others in relation to the project.
The Ministry would have previously advised the public of the intended relocation of the ALHCS on a site in the Quarter. The Ministry confirms that Campus A, the Workshop Initiative for Support in Education (WISE), the Pupil’s Referral Unit (PRU) and DOVE II (the ALHCS centre for students with multiple and profound difficulties) will be located on that site. This decision is reflective of the need to ensure that ALHCS is on a site that can accommodate all of these components, eliminate the need for rented accommodation and that provides sufficient room for future expansion to meet Anguilla’s needs well into the future.
The Ministry has decided that Campus B will remain at its current location, until we are in a financial position to construct it at the new location. To minimise any potential negative impact that this may have, the Ministry proposes to operate Campus B as an independent junior secondary school and will be using the time over the next two years to work out the logistics of this arrangement.
On August 17th and 18th 2018, Mr Robert O’Neal of Design Collaborative, the architectural consultant for the ALHCS project, held a series of meetings with stakeholder groups including the ALHCS Senior Management Team, the ALHCS Steering Committee, representatives of various Government Departments, Ministers of Government and others to present the layout and concept plans for the school. Mr. O’Neal brings a wealth of experience in the design of secondary schools, colleges and other training institutions across the region and beyond. The plans were thoughtfully crafted and reflective of the type of school which caters to the needs of a diverse student population and will serve them well for many years to come.
While there are a few adjustments to be made, the feedback on the plans was very positive and the consultants will be working feverishly to have all design plans and tender documents completed by year end. Construction is anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2019 and be completed by mid 2020. It therefore means that the shift system will continue until completion of the new Campus A.
The Ministry also assures the public that the relocation of the ALHCS to the site in the Quarter will not adversely affect the development of an athletic track, as the site is large enough to accommodate both the ALHCS and a 400m track. It therefore presents an exciting prospect for the development of the area.
The Ministry remains thankful for the sacrifices of teachers, parents and students in trying to ensure the education of our students is not compromised in the current circumstances at ALHCS. We will make every effort to keep the public abreast of the progress of the redevelopment project and we ask for your continued patience and support in the months ahead.
Honourable Cora Richardson Hodge
Minister of Education
28th August 2018
