The growing demand for more school places in West Bridgford has seen a major £32m expansion works programme at the Rushcliffe Spencer Academy.
The works, which include a new teaching block, a state-of-the-art sports hall and dining facilities are located in the area of the demolished leisure centre.
The existing CLASP Blocks A and B have also been refurbished to deliver and expand the Published Admission Number (PAN) to 360 pupils plus 500 post-16 places.
Councillor Nigel Moxon, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, said the investment into the new facilities would enhance the learning provision for current pupils and for pupils in the years to come.
“I visited this building last year when it was an empty shell and very much a building site. I was delighted to return now the works are completed and see the fantastic facilities available.
“Ensuring every child across Nottinghamshire has access to a good education close to where they live is a priority for this authority and we’ll continue to invest in areas where school places are needed.”
Other works have included modifications to the adjoining Nottinghamshire Gymnastics Association NGA to improve the service and access for safeguarding and include a new entrance mezzanine level, viewing gallery and second floor visitor and social area.
New external works have provided a new 9 a-side pitch, 5 a-side pitch and additional car parking.
West Bridgford South Councillor Jonathan Wheeler added: “To have secured £32million of investment for the school is fantastic and I am delighted to have worked alongside the Spencer Academy Trust and other partners over many years to get to this point. The hundreds of extra places will allow more local children to attend this great school, which I know from speaking to many parents is a key reason for living in the area.”
Executive Principal at Rushcliffe Spencer Academy, Graeme Smith, thanked the county council for the extra funding, and added: “We are proud to have worked alongside the county council to have delivered this exceptional new building and facilities for sport, food and design.
“This project enables us to meet the need for school places across our local area.”
