More than £2 million spent on new Castle Rushen High School plans

Figure includes feasibility studies, and pre and post-contracts.

More than £2 million has been spent on the plans for the new Castle Rushen High School Project.

Responding to a Freedom of Information Request from Manx Radio, the Department of Education, Sport and Culture has provided the total amount spent each year on plans since the 2017-2018 financial year up to now.

The figure includes money spent on feasibility studies, and pre and post-contracts.

A breakdown of the costs including design and consultancy fees has been withheld as the department says such a disclosure would be likely to prejudice its commercial interests.

The DESC's respondent says all the information provided is accurate up to 31 October 2024.

Overall the project is expected to cost in the region of £62 million.

In last year's Budget, £3 million was allocated for the design and planning phase.

A replacement Castle Rushen High School has been in the works for several years.

The current building dates back to 1961.

After 60 years, in 2021, a report found the site was "increasingly not fit for purpose" and a "below par" environment for students.

It was described by one southern MHK, Tim Glover, as being in 'a state of disrepair'.

The new plans include sports block and six-lane pool.

A 'masterplan' was unveiled this time last year.

Meanwhile, the latest update on the project itself came in November (2024) with the treasury minister saying it's still in the 'initial stage'.

A funding request, it's hoped, will go to Tynwald in February 2026.

Construction has been planned to start a month after that and is expected to take 30 months to complete.

Together with a mobile classroom and works on the sports fields, the overall amount spent, so far, is thought to sit closer to £3 million.