Claremont Proposal to rebuild special school
ASPECIAL school in Bristol could be partially demolished and rebuilt due to the current state of its “ageing” facilities.
Claremont School in Henleaze has drawn up draft redevelopment plans with Bristol City Council, which would deliver a more modern and suitable environment.
The council has launched a public consultation on the proposal, referring to “the current building suitability issues and deteriorating condition”.
The proposal is to retain and refurbish Claremont House, which is one of the existing school buildings in Henleaze Park, and replace the more run-down facilities.
Consultation documents state: “[We would] demolish the majority of ageing buildings to enable the construction of a modern, purpose built, special school.
“The redevelopment would also enable all key stages to be based at the Henleaze site, providing greater opportunities for cohesion between all school years.”
Claremont currently operates its secondary provision on a different site in Redland.
However, the new plan is for secondary years to be taught on the improved Henleaze site, taking up the first floor of the new building.
The consultation does not state what would happen to the existing secondary building.
In the proposed Henleaze building, younger children would be based on the ground floor, and staff and administration facilities would be on the second floor.
Outside there would be play areas, a forest school, colourful canopies, raised kitchen gardens, a performance space and an interactive pergola.
The front of the building would house a new hydrotherapy pool, suitable for use by all years.
Retaining the existing pool was “discounted due to limitations”, the council’s consultation said.
Claremont teaches children aged between two and 19 years old, with various special educational needs and disabilities.
There were 74 pupils on roll in the 2018-19 academic year, according to government records.
The new school building would feature a large hall, a parent zone, multiple lifts, extra space for early years children and post-16 learners, outdoor play areas and a designated parking and drop-off area.
Depending on feedback during the consultation, the council hopes to submit a planning application in spring or summer next year.
Its consultation adds: “The moves to temporary accommodation will be programmed during a summer vacation to ensure the pupils’ school experience is not unduly disrupted.”
School places for children with special needs are in high demand, and the council has plans to create 250 new places across 11 existing schools.
This includes eight more at Claremont School.
Elmfield School for Deaf Children is also due for expansion, which would require the demolition of the school and the redevelopment of the Bristol Education Centre.
A council report from August said the works at Elmfield “may” be finished by September 2022, while September 2024 was cited as the likely date for Claremont.
More details about the proposal can be found here, and comments can be submitted until December 6.