Abu Dhabi Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has announced that the construction of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, the leading school campus on Saadiyat island has entered the final phase.

The project work includes three main buildings – a junior school, a science building and an indoor sports centre – ahead of its opening in September 2014 for the Foundation Stage 1 to Year 9 school years, said a statement from TDIC, the master developer of major tourism, cultural and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi.

For the Junior School and the Science Building, work has started on the internal finishes, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works, as well as their external façade.

Construction is also well underway for the sporting facilities which include an indoor multiple-purpose gymnasium, a 25-metre competition swimming pool and a 10-metre junior pool. In addition to that, 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, it stated.

Brendan Law, the headmaster of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, said the school’s construction was 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," he noted.

Construction work on site began in December 2013 and to date all of the progress achieved has been accomplished with zero injuries with over 1,000,000 man working hours.

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.

Additionally, it will host co-educational facilities for more than 1,550 pupils, aged from 3 to 18 years, comprising separate Junior and Senior schools with each housing its own classrooms, faculty offices, administration offices, dining hall and library.

The school – a sister campus of Cranleigh School, a leading UK independent school founded in 1865 - will also introduce a broad academic curriculum with an emphasis on the individual; while a wealth of opportunities will allow pupils to explore their full range of talents in the arts, sports and culture.-TradeArabia News Service