Cowes Enterprise College move set for September

Construction of the new Cowes Enterprise College began in 2010

Pupils and staff will begin to move into a new £32m school building on the Isle of Wight later this year, the council has announced.

State-maintained Cowes Enterprise College was set to relocate in 2012 but has been held up by a number of technical issues.

A certificate of completion now means a phased move can start in September.

The council said it would offer "a quality learning experience in a safe environment".

Construction of the new school began in 2010.

Earlier this year, details released under the Freedom of Information Act revealed "snagging" issues holding up the move included incomplete work to the building's roof and water damage to other areas.

'Groundbreaking building'

Some mechanical and electrical installations were also left incomplete, requiring further investigation.

The council commissioned architectural, mechanical and electrical experts to investigate the issues, at a cost of nearly £19,000.

Councillor Richard Priest, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for children's service, said: "The council's priority has always been to ensure that Cowes Enterprise College is completed to the agreed standard and specification.

"I am pleased that, after ensuring a number of significant issues have been addressed, we have now reached that stage."

Rachael Fidler of the college governing body and trust, said the delays had caused "concern and disappointment".

"Now at last we can look to the future and to realising the educational and community benefits of this ground-breaking building."

"Recent visitors to the site, representing Academy sponsors, have commented on the high quality and exciting opportunity of the building describing the learning facilities as exceptional and amongst the best they have seen."