QEII to get £10 million science block?

Plans for a £10m science and technology department at a local school will go on display to the public today.

Government is looking to create a new facility across two floors at QEII High School in Peel providing science labs, workshops and classrooms as well as a large flexible space linking it to the existing school building.

Officials add the aim is to create a sustainable, low-emissions building which can inspire pupils.

The scheme has a budget of around £10million which, government believes, would represent a 'significant' investment in local education and give a boost to the construction industry.

The building would be built on the west of the school and face Douglas Road - the initiative as a whole would also involve refurbishing and repurposing of some existing rooms to provide improved facilities for maths, computer science, drama and art as well as extended the bus lay-by and parking across the front of the school.

Speaking about the proposals, Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, says: "These are exciting plans and demonstrate the Government’s commitment to investing in education. 

"The low carbon building would also be in keeping with our climate change goals. 

"This investment will no doubt help spark the imagination of future engineers, scientists and artists, so I fully support it."

Residents will be able to view the plans in the school's foyer from today (September 22) until Friday (September 25) and will also be published on the Isle of Man Government website.