FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has sold the former South Devon Elementary School, located at 778 MacLaren Ave. in Fredericton, to Devon Park Christian School for $94,500.

"The former South Devon Elementary School will be put to good use through the sale of this property," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams. "Taxpayers will benefit from the sale proceeds, and the Devon Park Christian School will be able to grow and expand in a larger facility. The new owners will also make improvements to the building, and this will be positive for the community as a whole."

The property comprises 1.56 ha (3.9 acres), with a one-storey school covering 2,856 sq. m (31,732 sq. ft.). The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development declared it surplus after Gibson-Neill Memorial Elementary School opened earlier this year on Fredericton's north side, accommodating students from South Devon Elementary and Alexander Gibson Memorial School.

Devon Park Christian School is a kindergarten to Grade 12 private school that has been in operation for 35 years. It has outgrown its current location in the Devon Park Baptist Church and is eager to implement a new strategic plan, which emphasizes a new facility as one of its top priorities.

"Acquiring the MacLaren Avenue property will assist us in meeting our strategic goals for growth in student enrolment, new educational and co-curricular programs and community partnerships," said Jonathan McAloon, school principal. "We are pleased to be able to offer students and parents an alternative in education in this region. Our plans to further partner with the local Fredericton community and also to reach out to the international community will now be feasible due to this new facility."

McAloon said the former school will undergo renovations this fall, with plans for Devon Park Christian School to occupy the property in the new year.


18-10-13