Families in the Bedford and Hammonds Plains area are another step closer to an exciting new high school and community centre that will benefit students and the community for years to come.

Ministerial assistant for youth Mat Whynott, on behalf of Education Minister Ramona Jennex, and Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Peter Kelly, were joined by students and representatives from the Halifax Regional School Board at the sod turning ceremony to officially begin construction of the new Charles P. Allen High School and the Bedford/Hammonds Plains Community Centre in Bedford today, November 18.

“Putting kids and learning first means providing students with learning opportunities so they can be prepared for what they will encounter in today’s world,” said Mr. Whynott. “Thanks to a strong partnership with the municipality, students and families from Bedford and Hammonds Plains will have a great place to meet and participate in a variety of activities.”

The Halifax Regional Municipality will build an adjoining 37,000-square-foot community centre which will include a second gymnasium and community space for a variety of programs catering to all ages. In addition, an artificial-turf football-size field, similar to Mainland Common, will be built. HRM will also contribute to the enhancement of the cafetorium to provide a community performance space.

“The new $10.7 million complex will be a welcome addition to this community and surrounding areas, and will address a long-time need for sport, leisure, cultural and recreational space in this growing area,” said Mayor Kelly. “The state-of-the-art community gathering place will become a great source of regional pride for generations to come.”

The new 142,000-square-foot school is designed to support student learning for the 21st century. The leading-edge design concept is meant to help students develop vital skills for their future, including innovation, information, career, media, technology and life skills. The school will have a mix of traditional classrooms and open learning spaces for students to work on projects collaboratively.

The building will target Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification. The building’s design uses lots of natural light and there will be a green roof above the cafetorium.

The province contributed $37.5 million for the school, with an additional $10.7 million from HRM. The project is expected to be completed in 2013.

Source: http://www.bedfordbeacon.com/construction-of-new-high-school-officially-begins