Wates Appointed To Build New Aldar Flagship School

Award-winning construction firm will build Aldar’s Al Bateen Secondary School

Wates Construction International has been awarded the AED150M contract, alongside its joint venture partner Al Fara’s General Contracting, to build a new 1500 place secondary school for Aldar Academies at Al Bateen in Abu Dhabi.

On completion in mid 2011, the new school will be managed and operated by Aldar Academies, respected as one of the leading education providers in Abu Dhabi. Aldar Academies currently operates three schools in the city – Al Yasmina School, Pearl Primary School and Al Muna Primary School.

It represents the second educational construction contract that award-winning Wates has won in Abu Dhabi during the past month. It was recently selected to develop a new extension and upgrade existing facilities at the British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi.

Al Bateen Secondary School is set to become Aldar’s flagship school and one of the leading educational establishments in Abu Dhabi. Its design concept is based around a less hierarchal educational structure, allowing more student circulation and interaction between different year groups. Measuring 24,000 square metres, the new school will feature state of the art classrooms, a swimming pool, library and extensive outdoor sports facilities.

“We selected Wates and Al Fara’a due to Wates’ pedigree and proven record in the educational sector, combined with the local knowledge of Al Fara’a, said Sami Asad, Aldar COO.

“We welcome them on board as part of our team to help deliver a project which is expected to sustain the highest standards of secondary education in the UAE and contribute to furthering the reputation of Aldar Academies."

Wates has a strong track record in delivering complex school and college educational facilities. It is one of the leading developers in the education sector in the UK and has built schools and colleges to accommodate 35,000 pupils, including Canterbury College and North Liverpool Academy. It is currently running the day-to-day operations of 26 UK schools.

“We focus on creating great learning environments and not on buildings.” comments Matthew Kennedy, Director of Wates Construction International. “We’re pleased to be working with a professional and highly respected client, who are also regarded as a leading educational provider in Abu Dhabi. “ 

The Al Bateen project team includes:

Project Manager         Aldar
Main contractor           Wates in joint venture with Al Fara’a
Architect                       DEWAN, CPG Consultants PTE Ltd
Quantity Surveyor       Currie & Brown
Structural Engineer    PJSI Consultants
Services Engineer     Ian Banham & Associates
 

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