A moment over 20 years in the making took place in the College boardroom today when the Head Master signed an agreement with contractors to begin work on a brand new Sports Hall.
The College has set a target of finishing construction as soon as August 2016, so the Aloysians present at the signing should enjoy the benefits of the new on-campus Sports Hall for much of their time at the College. In attendance were the S1 and S2 Rugby Captains, Tom McGuire and Andrew Hughes, and members of Athletics and Basketball teams, Daniel Sharkey and Ronan Ross.
Jenna Morton of S3, who won the College’s S2 sports prize for achievements in Athletics and Hockey, and Ava Mullan, who won Scotland’s Inter-District Hockey Cup with the West of Scotland were also invited to be present along with Director of Hockey, Miss Walker.
Please see below the Head Master’s letter to parents in which he highlights the importance of the project in shaping the future of St Aloysius’ College.
Dear Parents,
I am delighted to confirm that the College has been granted planning permission from Glasgow City Council to build a three-level Sports Hall on its Garnethill campus. A planning application was submitted in January this year and following the granting of planning permission, the Governors have now made the decision to proceed. The contractors have been instructed today and work will begin on site on 22 June with an anticipated completion date of August 2016, although this is subject to change. The Sports Hall represents our commitment to investing in the future of St Aloysius’ College, so that your sons and daughters – and theirs after that – will enjoy enhanced opportunities and first-class facilities in the heart of the city. The project itself will cost in the region of £7.5 million, and we will soon be launching an appeal for £1 million towards this total. More information regarding this appeal will be available in due course.
The playground behind the church will therefore be out of use for the academic year 2015/16. Arrangements in order to drop off and collect children will be issued to all parents later in the summer.
Prize Giving is a major College event and will take place at 2pm on Friday 18 September in the Royal Concert Halls. Please note the change of time for this year. I am delighted that Lord Smith of Kelvin has agreed to be the guest of honour. I wish you and your families and restful and enjoyable summer.
Yours sincerely,
John Browne