OnTheWight reported earlier today that the parent company of Pihl UK Ltd, the contractors for Cowes Enterprise College, had filed for bankruptcy.
The Governing Body of Cowes Enterprise College and Cowes Pathfinder Trust say their understanding is that Pihl UK have not yet filed for bankruptcy, but may well do so.
No impact on move
Representatives from the Trust and Governing Body have been in contact with the Local Authority and further meetings are being sought to clarify any outcomes from a bankruptcy of Pihl UK. They say the full completion of the College build project, with the second phase re-instatement of the old school site “will not be in doubt”.
Rachael Fidler, as Chair of the Governing Body said,
“Our first duty is to get the pupils and staff operational from next week in the magnificent new building. This is not in doubt and whilst this breaking news raises questions which we will have for the Local Authority our immediate plans are not altered by this news. Once we have further information we will keep parents and our community fully informed of developments.”
Taking advice from lawyers
The Isle of Wight council say they are taking advice from their laywers and that the situation will not impact on the school’s move into the new building next month.
Stuart Love, strategic director for the economy and environment, said,
“The council’s contract for the construction of Cowes Enterprise College is with Pihl UK, although in light of its Danish parent company, Pihl, filing for bankruptcy earlier this week we are speaking to Pihl UK and taking advice from our lawyers about any possible implications for the project.
“This development will not impact on the school’s move to the new building in time for the start of the new school year on Monday 9 September.”
