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A politician is seeking £7.7m to begin a three-year project to provide new sports facilities at Le Rocquier School, including a new sports centre and outdoor pitches.
Deputy Steve Luce's amendment to the proposed Government Plan initially asks for £3.3m from the Central Reserve and £4.4m from education funding used to upgrade school estates, for initial work on both indoor and outdoor facilities.
In the report accompanying his amendment, Deputy Luce explains that – while the lack of sporting facilities in general in the east of the island is a "massive issue" – his main concern relates to "the health and safety of the students at Le Rocquier School".
He said: "The Sports Hall is a 1970s construction and is in a dangerous condition. The female changing rooms are upstairs with no lift.
"These poor-quality facilities do not meet basic standards and the current disability law. This is just unacceptable in this day and age."
Pictured: Le Rocquier School in St Clement.
Deputy Luce estimates that the overall project will need £29.8m, spent over 3 years, consisting of:
2024 - £3.3m from the Central Reserve for the outdoor facilities, and £4.4m from the CYPES Upgrade to Schools Estates expenditure for the initial work on the indoor facilities.
2025 - £11.1m from the Consolidated Fund for ongoing work on the indoor facilities
2026 - £10.9m (or whatever balance is required) from the Consolidated Fund to cover the final stages of the indoor facilities.
Deputy Luce noted: "Members will be rightly asking 'what would the project deliver for that money?'. The answer is a Sports Hall (big enough for eight badminton/netball courts), a fitness gym, a multi-purpose studio, changing rooms, classrooms, PE staff accommodation, and finally a dance studio and outdoors a full-size football pitch and two netball courts.
"This is not a 'nice to have' list, it is an absolute necessity to provide the basic requirements for La Rocquier School and the east of the island."
Pictured: Deputy Luce said the lack of sporting facilities in the east of the island is a "massive issue".
Deputy Luce continued: "This project will address the poor school sports facility, and its provision as a dual use sporting facility will allow the school and community to thrive.
"The outcome will be that the school will have access to a 'fit for purpose' range of facilities, and also offer extensive after school programme of activities.
"Local sports clubs will offer more opportunities to be active for those living in the east of island."
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