Thursday 3 October 2024
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Nottingham

New plans to demolish and rebuild secondary school under Government programme

A Nottinghamshire secondary academy would be completely rebuilt under newly-submitted plans.

Outwood Academy Kirkby’s dated buildings would be replaced with a modern three-storey building as part of the government’s School Rebuilding programme.

If plans are approved, work would begin in March 2025, with students potentially moving into the new building by September 2027.

The old school buildings would be demolished, making room for sports pitches and outdoor games areas.

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Planning documents say the rebuild would be a “catalyst for Kirkby-in-Ashfield regeneration” and meet the growing educational needs in the area.

The school would be open continuously throughout the project, with a phased programme of temporary classrooms, demolition and construction, and work taking place in school holidays wherever possible.

The final demolition and construction of outdoor areas is expected to be completed by June 2028.

Wilmot Dixon has been chosen by the Department of Education as the contractor to deliver the scheme.

Around 900 students between Years 7 and 13 attend the school on Tennyson Road, which is part of the Outwood Grange Academy Trust.

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Planning documents say: “The buildings which comprise the academy are of a range of ages but have all now reached the end of their expected life and the school has been identified for a comprehensive redevelopment as part of the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme.

“It proposes demolishing 8,400m² of existing buildings and consolidating the facilities into a main secondary school block and a sports hall, totalling 7753m² of internal floor area.

“The reduced building footprint will create additional external space, allowing for on-site external sports provisions.

“Kirkby is a growing area, and the new school project serves as a catalyst for its regeneration. This important project aims to revitalise the town by addressing educational needs.”

The plans have been submitted to Ashfield District Council, and will be determined at a later date.

The School Rebuilding Programme, which started under the previous government, aims to rebuild or refurbish more than 500 schools across the country, at a rate of 50 per year.

Nottinghamshire County Council recently asked for assurances that the Labour government would honour existing pledges to rebuild schools.

Nine other Nottinghamshire schools are in the waiting list.

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