A 'significant' milestone has been reached at a high school expansion project in Newcastle.

Wates is underway with work to develop a new £11 million extension of Newcastle High School for Girls.

A 'topping out' ceremony was held to mark the contractor reaching the upper most point of the brand new building.

Pupils and staff were given the opportunity to write messages for their new school on the final beam of the building's steel frame before it was installed.

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Designed by architects Ellis Williams, the new extension will comprise of a multi-purpose assembly hall and performing arts venue, dining room, fitness suite, modern science laboratories and additional classroom spaces.

The milestone marks the midway point of the development and has seen Wates install 188 of steel beams on site.

Paul Dodsworth, Business Unit Director for Wates, said: "Our team at Newcastle High School for Girls has made excellent progress on site and celebration of the project's midway point is a fitting opportunity to recognise what is being achieved through our partnership working with the school."

Christine Sillis, Director of Estates at the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), added: "The new development will provide an outstanding learning environment and we are delighted to see the building taking shape."

(LM)