Green light for multi-million pound investment for Southwark schools
Published 3 August 2011
Three Southwark schools have been given the green light to undergo extensive building work to provide pupils with some of the best facilities in the capital.
Southwark Council has signed contracts with 4 Futures, its local education partner, to carry out work on St Saviours and St Olave's, Notre Dame and Bredinghurst schools
The work is part of the council's £200 million Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project to transform 12 schools in the borough.
Under the scheme, St Saviours and St Olave's will undergo a £9 million revamp which will include a new science block and a new three - storey extension housing an activity studio, music facility, science labs, prep room and sixth form centre. Work is set for completion by October 2012.
At Notre Dame school, a new teaching block is being built as part of its £8 million upgrade which is set to finish by December 2012. The work will also include five new classrooms, two new staff offices, a dining room extension and landscape renovation work to the front and rear courtyard.
At Bredinghurst school, £10 million has been set aside for a complete new build to include a sports hall, performing arts studio, recording room, dining hall, kitchens and therapy suite. A new central courtyard with amphitheatre will also be built. The local community will also be able to use these facilities outside of normal school hours with work set for completion by January 2012.
Elsewhere, works at St Thomas the Apostle College and the New School Aylesbury are progressing well having started last year. When complete there will be all new facilities at St Thomas the Apostle College. On completion the New School Aylesbury will be occupied by Sacred Heart School for a period of 2 years during the rebuilding of Sacred Heart School. In 2014 the school will return to its new building and the New School Aylesbury will reopen as a new academy.
At the New School Aylesbury the existing Victorian Board School is being refurbished and remodelled and a new three storey building, hall, drama studio and a multi -use games area are being built.
Meanwhile, a new extension for Spa School is on target for completion this September. Spa School is a maintained special school catering for secondary and post - 16 pupils with a diagnosis of autism. The new facilities will include specialist teaching spaces for science, horticulture and drama and also a connection to the existing sports hall.
Councillor Fiona Colley, cabinet member for regeneration at Southwark Council, said:" I am delighted that we're making such good progress transforming our school buildings. Our vision is to create a fairer future for all our residents and to help everyone achieve their potential. Our young people deserve these high quality learning facilities and I am sure it will have a positive impact on education in Southwark."
Martin Pugh, Programme Director 4 Futures, added:" Southwark's BSF project is running well and we will ensure that we will do everything possible to deliver the best facilities for the borough's students."
Later this year major works are set to begin at St Michael and All Angels Academy, Highshore School and for the Southwark Inclusive Learning Service.
