Timeline for new CRHS 'a bit tight', says education minister

Daphne Caine told Tynwald a project manager has now been appointed and that work has started on 'actual designs'.

Built in 1961, the current building has served the community for over 60 years.

But, for a decade now, the need for a new school building at Castle Rushen has been clear to staff, children and local MHKs.

In 2021, a report found the site was "increasingly not fit for purpose" and a "below par" environment for students.

Money was first set aside in the 2016 Budget for the build, with £50,000 allocated for initial design work.

Despite being described as "essential" then, a new school was still not expected to be completed until 2023.

Two years beyond the end of that initial timeline, education minister Daphne Caine has been telling Phil Gawne that 'substantial progress' has now been made:

So there is still a chance that we could see spades in the ground next year - although as the minister said, the timeline is very 'tight'.

But is this progress good enough for the southern MHKs?

Christian Jones asked Rushen member and infrastructure minister Dr Michelle Haywood and Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson:

In Tynwald this week, there were warnings that, if cost proposals are delayed beyond June next year, the current administration would be unable to scrutinise them.

But, if all goes to plan, the proposals are set to go before politicians in the summer and, if approved, work could then start in the second half of 2026 - 10 years after money was first set aside for the project.