Contract awarded to replace Gander Academy

Marco Services Ltd. has been awarded a contract valued at more than $18.9 million to construct a new primary school in Gander to replace Gander Academy.
A provincial government news release states the new school will be a 68,716-square-foot single-storey building, constructed on the site of the current Gander Academy, and will accommodate approximately 540 students. 
Construction work will start this year and is expected to be completed in spring 2021.
The original Gander Academy was constructed in 1957, with an extension built in 1971 and a new gymnasium added in 1990.
The Marco contract includes construction of 29 classrooms, a library, music rooms, an administration area, a cafeteria and a kitchen, and renovation of the existing gym for connection to the new building, redevelopment of the parking lot and demolition of the existing building.
“This is an exciting project for the school community in Gander,” said Education Minister Brian Warr. “Replacing the aging Gander Academy has been a priority for our government and is key to ensuring a vibrant learning environment for our students, teachers and administrators.”