Work on a £30 million state-of-the-art education campus for Whitehaven could start as soon as February, it has been revealed.

It has been announced today (Friday) that Wates Construction has been appointed to design and build the new facility, which will combine St Benedict's and Mayfield schools, on one site.

Designs for the campus, on land at St Benedict's School, can now be drawn up, and building work could start early next year.

Stefan Hargreaves, for Wates, said: "We are very excited about this. Wates has a wealth of experience of working on projects like this across the Northwest."

Between now and the end of November the firm will be working to develop the designs for the new campus.

This will include consultation with parents, pupils and the community who will be asked for their views on the design and layout of the new schools and sports facilities.

Mr Hargreaves said: "The next 10 weeks are going to be quite intensive. The schools have a 'wish list' of what they'd like. We have to work together and develop designs.

"This particular project has a community aspect to it. We are trying to create something for the community as well."

The final designs will allow the project to move into its next phase, with submission of a planning application expected in mid-December. Based on current timelines the campus could be opening its door to pupils in September 2018.

Tony Shenton, also of Wates, said the firm will be working with local supply chain partners and training providers to generate training and employment opportunities throughout the build programme.

The appointment of Wates

by Cumbria County Council has been welcomed by project representatives.

Gillian Temple, Mayfield School headteacher, said: "This announcement marks a significant step towards the provision of our new school. We are looking forward to working with Wates to make our dream become a reality."

Willie Slavin, chair of governors at St Benedict's, said: "The Governing Body is delighted to join with Mayfield School on this exciting project. Both schools are dedicated to excellence in education and achieving the best for the children in the most inclusive manner."

The investment in the campus will come from a range of partners including the NDA, Sellafield Ltd, Copeland Council, Copeland Community Fund, and Cumbria County Council.

Coun David Southward, cabinet member for economic development and property, said: "With Wates coming on board today the project will start becoming much more real for local people who’ll be able to get involved and help shape what the campus will look like and how it will work. It’s exciting to see the project progress and I’m very much looking forward to seeing the final designs.”

Copeland MP Jamie Reed said: "It's taken eight years to get to this point. It's a fantastic collaboration between partners. We have had to take this route because of the government grants being cut."

"This is just not going to be one of the best schools in the county but in the country. It's going to be a beacon of nuclear excellence, with the improvement of two schools coming together which have pupils and families with very different needs."

Mike Starkie, Copeland's mayor, said: "I think the whole community is so very excited by this project and looking forward to the development of a world class environment of teaching, development and growth, with enhanced sporting facilities for the whole community to enjoy."