A multimillion-rand construction which will result in an astro-turf, soccer fields, temporary ablution blocks and parking, is under way at Merrifield School.
Now in its first phase, the project will create a link road between the northern and southern campus of the school.
Board chairman Mike Simms said it had taken years of planning and fundraising to get to this point “and it is very exciting. It underpins the future growth of the school”, he said.
Simms said the work was the next big phase for the school.
It takes place on a 22-hectare plot and was subjected to a lengthy environmental impact assessment (EIA) process.
Merrifield executive head Dr Guy Hartley said it had always been important for Merrifield to connect the two campuses, the northern campus focusing on sport, and the southern on academics.
“The infrastructure connects those two and, in many ways, for me, this completes our school,” he said.
The school is on the corner of Bonza Bay Road and the N6. The new developments, across the valley, will occupy around seven hectares, with environmentally sensitive areas left as they are.
“As a green school it was important for us to look after the environment and not go through sensitive areas. There was a fine balance between development and addressing environmental concerns,” he said.
Hartley said the new developments will allow Merrifield to host their own derby days for the key sports of netball, hockey and soccer.
Phase two of the development will add a music and arts centre, additional tennis courts, cricket nets, and a clubhouse. — gugup@dispatch.co.za