ONE of Lancashire’s oldest schools is about to end its long wait for a new sports hall.

At the end of October work was started on a new £2 million project at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.

Designed by leading North West architects, Cassidy Ashton, the 1,030m2 sports hall will be constructed by Preston-based contractor, Warden Construction, in a 36-week programme due to complete in July 2014.

Headteacher Judith Child said: “A new sports hall has been a priority for many years but funding has never been available to realise that goal.

“Academically we are a very high-achieving school and always appear within the top 50 schools in the national league tables.

“But we have always been constrained by a lack of indoor sports provision, until now. Clitheroe Royal Grammar School is one of the few schools in Lancashire without a dedicated sports centre so, over the past year, we have had a substantial fund raising drive that has involved students, staff, parents, alumni and friends of the school.

“We have worked closely with Cassidy and Ashton to develop plans that answer the school’s sporting needs both now and in the future and are looking forward to seeing the new building take shape on site.”

The new sports hall will feature retractable seating for up to 270 spectators and will also be suitable for use as a meeting space.

The main, double-height gymnasium will be served by an entrance foyer, a small office, student and staff changing areas and an associated plant room, with two storage rooms located to the rear of the building.