The Duke of Westminster opens new facilities

His Grace the Duke of Westminster formally opened our splendid new Art, Science and Design & Technology facilities at Abbey Gate College, Saighton Grange on Thursday 4th December. The College is based in the former home of the Grosvenor family and the new facilities marked the 30th Anniversary celebrations which have just ended. It was wonderful to welcome so many friends and supporters of the College to celebrate the advent of these new specialised facilities.

Over 50 specially invited guests attended the event, including the Lord Mayor and Chester M P Mrs Christine Russell. These included Governors, Parents, Trustees, formers Heads of Abbey Gate College, 5 Headteachers from local Primary schools, the Architect Mr Chris Warburton and a representative from Mid Cheshire Construction who did such an excellent job on the project. The party were given a guided tour and saw Year 7 pupils working on an energy experiment in Science; in Art and Design and Technology the guests spoke to Year 7s and Sixth Formers about the creative design projects they were working upon at the moment. In a short address The Duke spoke warmly abut the significant developments and growth at Abbey Gate College since its founding and praised the children’s work.

Chairman of Governors Maria Heywood commended all those involved in bringing this major project in on time and on budget, for the benefit of all the pupils at the College. Headmistress Lynne Horner is delighted with the state of the art provision and pupils are already enjoying learning new skills in these facilities. “We are very pleased that the Duke was able to open our new buildings.  It has been a large scale project and certainly seemed a fitting tribute to mark the 30th Anniversary of the founding of the College.” In addition to our own pupils, children from Saighton Primary School have already enjoyed a half day experience in the Design and Technology workshop. “This will undoubtedly be a regular event with our most local fellow school and we hope to share our facilities and expertise with other local primary school children and staff.”