Neasden secondary school to undergo �40million makeover

State of the art building will boast an array of facilities

A school will undergo a �40million development into a state of the art teaching centre after council chiefs gave the plans the green light yesterday (Monday).

Crest Academy in Crest Road, Neasden, will be transformed into a modern building boasting a plethora of facilities including a theatre, library and two sports halls as part of its vast makeover.

The school, which was formally know as John Kelly boys and John Kelly girls schools, will maintain separate gender buildings but will have a joint sixth form in four pavilion buildings in an attractive park setting.

The contract for the ambitious project is expected to be formally awarded to Wates Construction Ltd at the beginning of next month and work is expected to start just before Christmas.

Residents will be offered apprenticeships during its construction and there will also be an emphasis on local labour and a local supply chain.

Cllr George Crane, Brent Council’s lead member for regeneration and major projects, said: “Not only will this project transform the academies but it will also help regenerate the area and create jobs for local people.

“We will take care to limit noise and disruption for neighbours and students throughout.”

Once the makeover is completed the school will have room for an extra 300 pupils.

Bev Bell, Crest Girls’ Academy principal, said: “The rebuilt academies will be attractive and inspirational places to learn with exceptional resources and will help us achieve our aim of delivering an outstanding education for all our students.

“But these excellent facilities won’t be just for the school - local people will be able to use them as well.”