Construction work finishes at prestigious Newcastle school

Construction work has been completed on a new £7m library building at the Royal Grammar School (RGS), Newcastle.

The new 2,600 sqm facility also includes art studios, maths classrooms, a pastoral suite and assembly space, and stands in the place of the school's original swimming pool.

The completion of the library marks the end of phase 3 of the school's ambitious plans to improve and update its facilities to provide an exceptional learning environment for its pupils.

Books and other learning resources have now been added to the library, as the school readies itself for the building's official opening. Pupils and staff from RGS, as well as Garry Hope, Managing Director of construction company Robertson, the firm that built the high-class facility, all met to have a first look at the new building.

Dr Mike Pitkethly, RGS Bursar, said: "We are delighted with the new building. It has greatly improved the facilities available to our students. In particular, the library and art studios add a fantastic state-of-the-art dimension to the school."

Garry Hope, said: "Being able to meet some of the pupils who are going to benefit from the new facilities is fantastic. Royal Grammar School, Newcastle has a fantastic reputation and Robertson is delighted that this new facility will help strengthen it further.

"We have a strong expertise in delivering high-class education projects across the North East and we are delighted with the end results. It has been particularly pleasing to work on the building throughout term times and to cause minimal disruption to pupils and staff during this period."