Gulf Construction Online - Saadiyat’s Cranleigh school nearing completion

UAE Focus

A rendition of the project.

Saadiyat’s Cranleigh school nearing completion

01 August 2014

CONSTRUCTION work of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, a top school campus on Saadiyat island in Abu Dhabi, has entered the final stages, said its developer.

Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of tourism, cultural and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi, said work on its three main buildings comprising a Junior School, a science building and an indoor sports centre is on target in time for the opening next month of the foundation stage – that is, school years one to nine.

Work has started on the internal finishes, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works, as well as the external façade of the Junior School and the science building.

Construction is also well under way on the sporting facilities which include an indoor multiple-purpose gymnasium, a 25-m competition swimming pool and a 10-m junior pool.

In addition, in its first phase, the campus will also host two central grass sports fields. Work on the school’s roadways and general infrastructure is also proceeding smoothly.

Brendan Law, headmaster of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, said: “We are pleased that the school’s construction is on schedule and progressing smoothly. We are looking forward to welcoming our first batch of pupils in September, and thus are keen to ensure that they will have access to Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s high-quality facilities that are sure to enhance their scholastic experiences with us.”

Construction work began on site in December 2013 and to date all of the progress achieved has been accomplished with zero injuries with over one million man-hours. Furthermore, the Senior School as a structure has also been built, with internal finishes and MEP installation currently taking place ahead of its opening for the school’s second term of operation in January 2015.

Once fully opened, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi – which was awarded a Two Pearl design rating certificate by the Urban Planning Council (UPC) as part of its Estidama Pearl building rating system – will be one of the largest school campuses in the emirate with open green spaces, extensive landscaping and an ambient environment stretching over seven hectares of land.

It will host co-educational facilities for more than 1,550 pupils, aged from three to 18 years, comprising separate Junior and Senior schools, each housing its own classrooms, faculty offices, administration offices, dining hall and library.

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi pupils will also provide boarding facilities – a first for the emirate – in purpose-built separate houses for males and females.