ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — On Monday, students from Bishop Feild Elementary School in St. John’s delivered personal letters to Confederation Building that expressed their wish to get back into their school that was forced to close in October 2017 after a large piece of its ceiling fell in.
Students and parents have been frustrated that it has taken so long to get the school repaired. Students have since been attending the classes at the former School for the Deaf on Topsail Road.
On Thursday, the provincial government issued the final public tender to complete the required remediation work at Bishop Feild Elementary.
The successful contractor will complete structural repairs throughout the building including: install new ceilings; remove the decommissioned boiler room and brick chimney; repair and upgrade aspects of the exterior envelope, brick, stone, foundations and buttresses; renovate the existing vestibule on the north side of the gym to provide an alternate exit; and complete required electrical work, including new LED lighting.
A news release states that Bishop Feild Elementary will be ready for re-occupancy in January 2020.
Government said it had to undertake a complete structural assessment, partial ceiling demolition and design work for the building rehabilitation.
“We know students and their families are eager to have their school back, and we have been working continuously to ensure that happens as soon as is safely possible,” Steve Crocker, Minister of Transportation and Works.
“This is a very old building. Getting to this stage has required months of building assessment and design work to ensure students and staff can re-enter a building that is safe and will meet their needs. Now, we are glad to tender the final piece of work that will see that happen.”
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