Developers Kier Construction Limited have unveiled extensive proposals to change Magna Carta School, Staines, which will involve a new school building and refurbished sports hall.

A redevelopment of the secondary school, with around 1,200 pupils, has been discussed since October 2023, when RAAC was identified there.

RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) is a building material used between the 1950s-1990s that was cheaper than standard concrete. However, there is evidence it is less durable than standard concrete and downgrades overtime.

Kier Construction’s proposals include a new school building with modern teaching and performing arts facilities. Significant changes have also been suggested to outside areas. To create his several existing teaching blocks will need to be demolished.

One of the areas focused on in the design plans is the assembly hall, which proposals describe as a multifunctional space dedicated for school assemblies, performances and examinations which will be designed for flexibility, featuring retractable seating and multifunctional finishes.

Outside of the new block, there are going to be some new features including a new courtyard outdoor dining area, four multi use games courts, three cricket nets and two long jump pits.

As well as this there will be a covered link between the main block and the sports block to the side. This sports block will remain but is set to be refurbished.

The scale of the development, and the demolition of existing buildings, means that students will need to make use of temporary buildings.

These will be located near the back of the school on the sports pitch, and are planned to be in place for the main construction phase of 24 – 30 months

Kier Construction Limited is welcoming feedback

Currently the proposals are only in the planning phase, with feedback until February 18. After this plans will be submitted to the council.

Development itself is expected to start this summer, with the temporary buildings put in by the end of the year. Demolition works would then start in Spring 2027, with the new main building and refurbished sports hall opening in early 2029.

One of the people campaigning for the redevelopment is Ben Spencer MP for Runnymede and Weybridge, who has been liaising with the Government about this.

He told SurreyLive: “It is great that plans for the rebuild of The Magna Carta School are progressing, setting out a clear vision for a fantastic modern learning environment for local children.

“It is really important that parents, students and the wider community are involved throughout this process so they can have their say and work with the school to help mitigate the disruption while building work takes place.”

Source: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/plans-build-new-surrey-school-33405942

(Image: Google )