Maine Road - the next generation
9 September 2009
Manchester's newest primary school has opened its doors for the first time, kicking off a new chapter for education in Moss Side.
The Divine Mercy RC Primary School is built on part of the site of Manchester City FC's former Maine Road stadium and even its official address - Blue Moon Way - commemorates the location's history.
But educational goals are now the order of the day at pupil school, formed from the merger of the former Bishop Bilsborrow RC Primary and St Edwards RC Primary. The school has a capacity of 460 places and a 60-place nursery.
It stands at the heart of The Maine Place development which is acting as a catalyst to the regeneration of the area. More than 400 new homes are being built by Lowry Homes to improve housing quality and choice. There is also a proposal for a new health centre on the site.
The most striking design feature of the new school is the two-storey high Art Glass window in the entrance facade.
Pupils, parents and staff from both predecessor schools worked with international glass artist Martin Donlin to develop their own abstact designs which inspired Mr Donlin's overall design. This includes imagery relating to the logos of both former schools and the concept of divine mercy.
The window faces onto Blue Moon Way and a pedestrian route through the development will ultimately link it with a planned piece of public art on the site of the old Maine Road centre spot.
Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Member for Children's Services, said: "This state-of-the-art new school has outstanding modern facilities and will be a huge asset to Moss Side and Rusholme. It is fitting that it should be at the heart of the regeneration of the area because creating better opportunities for young people and improving educational standards are vital to the area's positive future."
Paddy Henneghan, the Divine Mercy's headteacher, said: "The pupils are all very excited to be in the new school. The sheer quality of the premises sends out a fantastic message to pupils about how much their education is valued."
