Delapidated School to be Rebuilt with new Sports Facilities

A Nottingham primary school deemed “no longer fit for purpose” could be torn down and rebuilt. The Department for Education (DfE) has submitted plans to knock down Southglade Primary School’s current building off Beckhampton Road, Bestwood, so it can be replaced by an improved structure and facilities.

The rebuild is part of the government department’s school rebuilding programme, but is also partially funded by Nottingham City Council. Half of the school would be demolished after a relocation to temporary accommodation, with the remainder of the existing building demolished once the new building is completed and operational.

The new building would accommodate a two-form entry primary school, with 420 pupils, plus a 52-place Nursery, in total providing 472 pupils aged 3-11 years. This means the school would have the same number of pupils and staff members as in the current building, which planning documents labelled unfit for purpose.

The new school will sit over the footprint of the existing infant school buildings, with the reduced total footprint allowing for greater outdoor space for pupils. Locals endorsed the plans, with some claiming the existing building was visibly deteriorating.

Debora Madden, 66, from Bestwood, said: “The new building will be so much better for the kids, you could see that the old building is falling apart.

Hopefully it will make the kids better focused and want to go to school more. The new sports facilities will be so important, as all kids need to be active and play sports.”

The proposal would also result in a better and bigger sports provision, planning documents suggest. A new sports court will replace the smaller existing timber-fenced kickabout area currently used for PE, while sports will continue to be played on a new grass area, and relocated play and exercise equipment will be placed around the grounds.

Michael Clark, 82, from Top Valley, said: “I’m glad it’s staying on the same site, as the location is good, right in the middle of Bestwood. “The new site will definitely benefit the pupils. The new sports facilities are so important and for kids to be playing sports, it helps with everything.”

Harry Jones, 69, who lives in Bestwood, added: “It’s about time they built a new one and it is good to be in the same area. Kids need to be playing sports, so the better facilities will be good.”

The DfE’s construction contractors Bowmer + Kirkland have explained the new proposals are characterised by the “use of traditional brickwork and high-quality rainscreen cladding, in a confident and contemporary manner”.

Planners said the building’s masonry would draw from the colour of the current cream-coloured brickwork on the campus, providing a “familiar and attractive backdrop to learning” for pupils and staff. The project’s designs also include “flashes of colour in the cladding” for a “sense of fun” with burgundies and reds to reflect the school branding, and greens and yellows to reflect the school tree emblem.

In a planning document, contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, on behalf of applicant the Department for Education, said:

“The proposals will address the need for new and improved educational facilities and will enhance the current facilities on site whilst also providing opportunities for community use.” The planning application is pending consideration by Nottingham City Council.

A Department for Education spokesperson said:

“We are delighted that the next stage of work to deliver a full new build for Southglade Primary School is due to start as part of our School Rebuilding Programme which will transform 500 schools across the country. The project will breathe new life into the community by providing state-of-the-art school facilities, a modern and eco-friendly environment for over 400 pupils, which will inspire generations to come.”

Source: Nottingham Post