1,200-pupil school in need of more space
A DERBYSHIRE secondary school is looking to build a new modern extension including more classroom space.
Belper School and Sixth Form College, in John O’Gaunts Way, caters for more than 1,200 pupils and is in need of more space.
It has applied to Amber Valley Borough Council for a new first-floor extension on top of an existing onestorey building to the rear of the site, close to the playing fields.
If approved by the council in the next few months, the project would include an improvement to the existing building.
In total, the whole project would include four classrooms – two on the ground floor and two on the new first floor – a small group room, a teaching and study space, a 141 square metre common room, a oneto-one study room, an office, an individual learning room and two storage areas.
The school employs 160 people and the extension application says it would create four new full-time jobs and two part-time roles.
Architects YMD Boon are fielding the application on behalf of the school. In a report submitted with the application, the firm said: “The principle objective of the project is to provide the additional high-quality teaching space needed to secure the long term future of teaching on the existing school site.
“The proposed development will improve existing teaching facilities together with providing additional classrooms to meet government and educational requirements.
“The amount of new build has been restricted to provide the required essential teaching facilities.
“The design process resulting in this application has been rigorous and carefully considered to create the optimum design solution.
“As a result, a scheme has been created that promotes a contemporary aesthetic, forming a high-quality development which also enhances the appearance of the overall school site whilst providing the additional high-quality teaching facilities for the local community.”
The one-storey building which would be extended was built in 2002. It currently has solar panels on its roof and these would be relocated as part of the project.
If approved, the new extension would be clad in timber with a stainless steel “skirt”. There would be a small overhang extending around the side of the building to provide a covered walkway. A steel sign reading Belper School would sit on top of the proposed walkway overhang.