The Cabinet has approved a EC$5 million investment to construct a new academic block at Sir Novelle Richards Academy, with the facility expected to be completed before the start of the new school year in September.
According to Antigua News Room, the announcement was made at Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, who said the project is intended to meet growing demand for classroom space while supporting the government's broader investment in education.
Merchant said the new building will provide additional classrooms and specialised learning spaces to accommodate the school's expanding student population and improve the delivery of teaching and learning.
"The new facility at Sir Novelle Richards Academy will provide additional classrooms and specialized learning spaces to accommodate the school's expanding student population and enhance the delivery of quality education," Merchant said.
He noted that the investment complements the ongoing redevelopment of the nearby Potter's Sports Field, which is being transformed into a multi-sport complex featuring an Olympic-size swimming pool and facilities for several sporting disciplines. Merchant said the new sports complex is expected to serve neighbouring educational institutions, including Potter's Primary School, Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and the Harrison Centre for Continuing Education.
Merchant added that the government views the academic block as part of a broader strategy to ensure educational infrastructure keeps pace with community development and investments in youth programmes.
Construction is expected to be completed before the beginning of the September school term, allowing students and teachers to begin using the new facilities when schools reopen.
