The new school is to be managed by the St Michael’s Foundation for Education, which already runs the St Michael’s School in Pembroke.

The initial proposal was submitted three years ago and involves the development of 24,000 square metres of land. In view of the growing demand, the school administrators wanted to provide their junior school children with an educational institution where they can continue their secondary education.

The land in question, had been transferred to the foundation by a resolution in parliament in November 1997 for the purpose of constructing a school.

The Planning Directorate recommended that the Mepa board should refuse the proposed development. However, the Mepa board decided that if the reasons for refusal are addressed, it was prepared to reconsider.

After an hour or so of discussions on certain details of the application, including the height of a boundary wall and the width of the pavement, the board took a vote and the directorate’s recommendation for refusal was over-ruled.

Even though the application for the construction of the school was approved, several conditions were laid down. These included the re-submission of plans, taking into consideration the conditions of approval. This has to be done before work on the development begins.

The proposed development will include a gymnasium, and athletics track, courts for tennis, basketball, volleyball and netball, a ballet studio, a library, an art studio, computer and home economics rooms, four laboratories and parking facilities.