By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
The Government’s Department for Education has submitted plans to demolish and rebuild a school in Nottingham to help improve the ageing facilities and breathe new life into the community.
Southglade Primary School, on Beckhampton Road, Bestwood Park, has been deemed “no longer fit for purpose”.
The scheme will be delivered as part of the department’s Schools Rebuilding Programme (SRP).
Southglade Primary School was nominated alongside more than 1,000 other schools across the country, and the Government selected 400 to take forward.
Around 50 rebuilds are being delivered each year.
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.”
Bowmer and Kirkland has been contracted to demolish and build the new school on behalf of the department.
The proposals, if approved by Nottingham City Council, would deliver a new ‘L’-shaped primary school building to accommodate 420 pupils.
It would also feature a 52-place nursery, therefore providing for a total of 472 pupils aged three to 11 years.
A new multi-use sports court has been proposed to replace the smaller existing timber-fenced area currently used for PE.
The first floor staff room is set to be positioned to facilitate views over play areas which will allow teachers to monitor behaviour at lunch and break periods.
According to plans, there is currently no community use at the school, but the new building has been arranged in a way which provides separate areas for learning and areas for out-of-hours community use.
The main hall and dining room are designed to be connected, which maximises opportunities for future events, planning documents say.
Community access to the main hall would be provided directly from the car park.
The building is proposed to be smaller than what is currently on the site, allowing for more space for pupils as well as room for 14 new trees.
Any demolition will take place in phases, with temporary accommodation for pupils provided.
“The new investment in Southglade Primary and Nursery School will provide a safe, friendly, and inclusive environment where nature-based play and social learning can thrive,” planning documents 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.”
