Staff, governors, parents and pupils and representatives from KKP recently attended the official opening of the new sports complex at Astley Sports College in Tameside, Greater Manchester - on the 22^nd March 2007; a facility for which KKP played a key role in the design, business planning and in securing external funding.

The especially invited guests including local elected members and Chris Dodd from Sport England. Mark Hatton, Olympian and British Luge Champion was guest of honour and performed the opening ceremony on the evening. Knight, Kavanagh & Page was proud to attend.

The process of improving the sport and physical activity facilities at the school, of which the sports hall is the latest phase, began in the mid 1990s with the laying of an all-weather floodlit synthetic turf pitch.  The school now boasts a brand new sports hall, alongside a new 'wellness suite', which is fully equipped with the latest gym and fitness apparatus.

Jane Harrison, Business Manager at Astley Sports College is well aware of the role that the School and its facilities need to play in the community.  She, the School's governors and its staff are keen to ensure that it meets the needs of local people by allowing access at all times as well as supporting government commitment to ‘extended schools'.  It will also drive Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) led work to improve access to culture, sport and play for children and young people, so that they can develop their talents and enjoy the benefits of participation.  Due to its innovation in this area Astley Sports College is recognised nationally by Sport England as an example of best practice.

Commenting on the support KKP provided, Jane Harrison said; "We would not be where we are today had it not been for the time and dedication that KKP and its staff provided to the school, working around the clock and in difficult circumstances to ensure that applications for funding were developed and submitted in the correct manner. It provided the skills and knowledge to maximise the success of our bid and along with other external partners turned our vision into reality."

Lynne Harrop (KKP's Marketing Manager) attended the opening on behalf of the Company and was clearly impressed by the positive, can-do ethos demonstrated by staff and pupils. The culture has been fundamental to its achievements, not only in relation to sports development but also across other aspects of school operation.

For further details, please contact: John Eady, Chief Executive (Tel: 0161 764 7040)

For more information on Astley Sports College contact Jane Harrison (Tel: 0161 338 2374/6872)