School on schedule at ‘mini city’
FAMILIES WILL SOON BE ABLE TO LOOK AROUND ACADEMY AS WORK RACES ON
DEVELOPERS have given a major update on the progress of a “minicity” being built off the A612 Colwick Loop Road.
Work on houses and a new school is progressing on the vast Rivendell estate.
The newest set of plans for the site, between Netherfield and Stoke Bardolph, will soon go before Gedling Borough Council’s planning committee.
The latest documents have revealed that at least 220 of the 830 homes expected at the site have been built.
And the new Rivendell Flying High Academy, which is set to provide 210 school places, is nearing completion.
The school is said to be “on track” as it prepares to welcome pupils by September.
The application also seeks to change which bus service will serve the new site and for provisions around off-site roadworks.
It’s hoped that construction will be completed by the spring, so families and children that have got a place can have a look around before the first term.
The Flying High Partnership is the multi-academy trust responsible for the school, and is working with builders Persimmon Homes.
Speaking previously, Nick Layfield, operations manager at the partnership, said: “It’s been great to see the development of the school taking shape and running to schedule, but to also have the opportunity to shape the school environment and grounds to ensure they provide an inspirational and creative learning space for children.
“The school is being designed to make children’s experience and education the best it can possible be, and we’re delighted that it is shaping up to be a school filled with inspiration and possibility.”
The academy will welcome applications for all year groups from Foundation 2 to Year 6, along with nursery places.
A care home and a number of commercial units on the site have also been completed.
Described as a “mini-city” by Gedling Borough Council leader Councillor John Clarke, the housing development has been named Rivendell as a nod to the area’s link with the The Lord Of The Rings series of novels.
JRR Tolkien, the author of the legendary trilogy, visited his aunt’s farm in the Jessops Lane area of Gedling, around two miles from the development site.
The new academy will meet demand for places arising from the new homes in the area and the increased demand for school places. An Aldi store has also been given the green light to open and create more than 100 jobs at the £30m Teal Park trade area next to the housing estate.
Tool Station, Screwfix and Howdens will all move into new units at nearby Teal Park.
There are also plans for a new local centre, expected to include a pub and nursery.
The latest application will go to Gedling Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday.