Wates Construction has started work to develop a new school which will unite pupils at St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School.

Earlier this year, Medway Council granted planning permission for St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School's new build on City Way. The ceremony marks the formal breaking ground on the build, which is led by Wates Group and backed by the Department for Education, and made possible with the donation of the land from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark.

Situated at the top of the hill between Chatham and Rochester, with inspiring views looking out across the River Medway, the new build will offer a wide range of teaching spaces, including Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGA) pitches, state-of the-art IT systems, a football pitch, a library, a dance studio, gym and kiln room.

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These facilities will be shared with the wider community outside of school hours.

Cllr Martin Potter, Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Education and Schools, said: "I am pleased work has begun on the new school building. This exciting project will create a fantastic learning environment for children and bring the school community together on one site. It also supports our Child-Friendly City ambition, putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do. I look forward to watching the works take shape.

Wates Representative Richard Shroll, Regional Managing Director – Wates Construction South, said: "We're pleased to be awarded the important task of building St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School where we are delighted to have started on site – an appointment that reflects our credibility and experience in the education sector.

"At Wates, we understand how learning environments have a direct impact upon the development of young people and attainment levels and we bring our appreciation to every stage of the process."