'Large amount of work' still to be done on new secondary school plans

Minister says project to replace CRHS still in 'initial stage'

There is still a ‘relatively large amount of work’ to be done on plans for a new secondary school in Castletown before they are taken to Tynwald for funding approval.

The treasury minister says the project to replace Castle Rushen High School is still in its ‘initial stage’ with efforts being directed at forming a project board and looking at how it could be delivered.

It’s hoped this phase will be concluded in January with the funding request due to go to the court in February 2026.

Construction has been planned to start a month later and will take 30 months to complete.

The project is being sponsored by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture with project management being undertaken by the Department of Infrastructure.  

In July options were analysed for the ‘optimal procurement route’ for the school and sports complex.

Alex Allinson has apologised for a delay in holding meetings to discuss the progress of the project which were supposed to be held over the summer.

But he says the preliminary work now will help avoid extra costs: