Award-winning construction firm will build Aldar's Al Bateen Secondary School
Wates Construction International has been awarded the AED150M contract, alongside its joint venture partner Al Fara's General Contracting, to build a new 1500 place secondary school for Aldar Academies at Al Bateen in Abu Dhabi.
On completion in mid 2011, the new school will be managed and operated by Aldar Academies, respected as one of the leading education providers in Abu Dhabi. Aldar Academies currently operates three schools in the city - Al Yasmina School, Pearl Primary School and Al Muna Primary School.
It represents the second educational construction contract that award-winning Wates has won in Abu Dhabi during the past month. It was recently selected to develop a new extension and upgrade existing facilities at the British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi.
Al Bateen Secondary School is set to become Aldar's flagship school and one of the leading educational establishments in Abu Dhabi. Its design concept is based around a less hierarchal educational structure, allowing more student circulation and interaction between different year groups. Measuring 24,000 square metres, the new school will feature state of the art classrooms, a swimming pool, library and extensive outdoor sports facilities.
"We selected Wates and Al Fara'a due to Wates' pedigree and proven record in the educational sector, combined with the local knowledge of Al Fara'a, said Sami Asad, Aldar COO.
"We welcome them on board as part of our team to help deliver a project which is expected to sustain the highest standards of secondary education in the UAE and contribute to furthering the reputation of Aldar Academies."
Wates has a strong track record in delivering complex school and college educational facilities. It is one of the leading developers in the education sector in the UK and has built schools and colleges to accommodate 35,000 pupils, including Canterbury College and North Liverpool Academy. It is currently running the day-to-day operations of 26 UK schools.
"We focus on creating great learning environments and not on buildings." comments Matthew Kennedy, Director of Wates Construction International. "We're pleased to be working with a professional and highly respected client, who are also regarded as a leading educational provider in Abu Dhabi. "
The Al Bateen project team includes:
Project Manager Aldar
Main contractor Wates in joint venture with Al Fara'a
Architect DEWAN, CPG Consultants PTE Ltd
Quantity Surveyor Currie & Brown
Structural Engineer PJSI Consultants
Services Engineer Ian Banham & Associates
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About Wates Construction
Wates Construction is one of the UK's largest family-owned construction services and development companies. Established in 1897, it remains privately owned by the Wates Family, currently employs more than 2,200 people and has a turnover of AED xx billion in 2009.
The company works across a range of sectors, including education, prisons, affordable housing, retail fit out and refurbishment, office interiors, land development and commercial buildings.
Wates has an almost unparalleled pedigree having worked on some of the UK's most treasured and prestigious buildings. This includes the restoration of St Paul's Cathedral; the renovation of The National Gallery in London's Trafalgar Square; and the refurbishment of Queen's Gallery within Buckingham Palace, which houses The Queen's Royal Collection of art and treasures.
This year Wates was again recognised as a leader in the construction industry after being named Major Contractor of the Year at the 2009 Building Magazine Awards. Wates won the same prestigious award in 2008.
Wates has three areas of Corporate Responsibility focus: to reduce the impact of CO2 emissions from our activities; Target Zero of eliminating all non-hazardous waste to landfill by 2010; and boosting skills and employability in areas of most need.
Safety is a top priority within the Wates Group, and the excellent safety record has resulted in RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Gold Awards for Occupational Safety and the British Safety Council Awards for the past six years.
© Press Release 2010
