Business students given first glimpse of Arbour Vale Community Sports Facility

Business students from St Joseph’s Catholic High School in Slough were given the chance to get a glimpse of their new sports hall.

On Thursday, May 19, the pupils from the school in Shaggy Calf Lane and representatives from Morgan Sindall and Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) visited the site of the Arbour Vale Community Sports Facility (CSF) in Stoke Road.

Costing an estimated £7.9m and due to open in the autumn, the CSF features a four court sports hall and multi-games arena which will be used by St Joseph’s pupils.

The students signed a number of concrete blocks to cement the school’s place at the site.

Headteacher Ciran Stapleton said:“It has been an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity for the students.

“To be involved in being part of creating a new legacy for the school and the community is such an honour for all the students and staff.”

On top of touring the site, the year 10 students also watched a short presentation about SUR’s other projects, including The Curve - a town centre hub housing a new library and learning, arts, performance and community facilities.

Mel Ive, learning resource manager at the school, said: “The buzz from the youngsters was phenomenal.

“It is great for them to see what is going on.

“Most of them live within a three mile radius of the town centre so to them it is their home.”

A 3G pitch and terrace where Slough Town Football Club can play its home games and a new permanent site for Lynch Hill Free School are also part of the development.