Whitney Institute.

The scheme is the first phase of the Middle Schools Project -- which is aimed at providing Government secondary schools with similar facilities.

It is set to begin soon, according to Minister of Works and Engineering, the Hon. Leonard Gibbons.

He revealed this while yesterday inviting firms to bid for the project.

Whitney students, who have had to put up with outdoor, stand-up assemblies for over two decades, can now expect to have their own hall within two years.

But the project -- scheduled to begin four years ago -- had to be shelved through lack of funds, according to chief architect at Works & Engineering, Mr. Bob Winter.

"We were able to proceed as we now have the funds necessary to build the hall,'' said Mr. Winter.

"We are positively delighted,'' said Mrs. Gail Graham, headmistress of Whitney Institute. "For the first time in 20 years, the whole school will be able to gather under one roof.'' The assembly hall, which will seat up to 600 people, had been designed as a "multi-purpose structure'', said Mrs. Graham.

She added the hall would be used for concerts, graduations, lectures and plays.

And, in addition to the main hall, there would be a cafeteria, kitchen, music practice rooms, offices, bathrooms and changing rooms.

The building would be on an empty site behind the Flatts post office, creating a covered access between the school gymnasium and the arts block, pointed out Mrs. Graham.

"An assembly hall is the central focal point for a school,'' she continued.

"For the first time ever, the whole school will actually get to hear their band play.'' "In the past we have had to turn away speakers who wanted to address the students because there was simply nowhere for them to do it,'' she said. "We are absolutely thrilled.''