A delegation of top government officials from Malaysia will visit Hereford’s new £15 million high school during a special visit on Thursday, September 8.
The 12-strong party, which includes politicians as well as senior civil servants, will tour Whitecross High School, on Three Elms Road, to learn more about Private Finance Initiative (PFI).
The new school, funded under PFI, is expected to open next summer in time for the academic year 2006/07 when all 900 pupils from the current school will transfer over to the state-of-the-art building.
Under the PFI agreement, Herefordshire Council will be responsible for the teachers and the teaching while private company Whitecross @ Stepnell is responsible for the building.
The contract to provide the building and services for the next 25 years is worth about £80 million, supported in part by Dfes funding and local resources.
The building conforms to new stringent environmental measures under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessments Method for Schools.
Environmental features will include lower energy consumption and a grass roof.
Cllr Don Rule, Cabinet Member (Children’s Services) said: “Herefordshire Council is delighted that the Government directed this delegation of important officials to Hereford.
“Not only does this demonstrate recognition over the merits of the project but it also recognises the Government’s confidence in this authority.
“The delegation will be showed around the new building by a team of staff from Herefordshire Council and we look forward to highlighting the features of the building and the contract arrangements.”