Rebuild plan granted to boost school
A PRIMARY school is to be partly demolished and replaced with a new building.
Kenton Bar Primary School in Newcastle is set for a major redevelopment under plans given the green light by council bosses.
The Ryal Walk school’s existing two-storey junior school building will be torn down and turned into a play area, after a single-storey replacement is built adjacent to it.
After Newcastle City Council’s planning committee approved the proposals, Councillor Nora Casey – cabinet member for children, education and skills – said: “It is essential that children get off to the best possible start in life if they are to enjoy childhood and go on to achieve their full potential.
“I am delighted that the children and their community will be getting a new school to replace the old Kenton Bar Primary School which for years has been the heart of the community.
“It will offer eight new classrooms, a play yard and soft play in a modern, light and airy environment – ideal to help children develop through learning and playing.”
Kenton Bar Primary School currently has a capacity of 461 pupils and there are no plans to increase this as part of the development.
The school, which is a feeder school for Kenton School secondary, is run by SMART Multi Academy Trust.
Cabinet member for employment, Coun Ged Bell, added of the decision to upgrade the facilities: “As Newcastle grows it’s vitally important that we offer existing families and new families moving into the city modern and attractive schools.
“Along with good transport connections and open spaces it helps us build sustainable communities, so the city can continue to grow in a steady and supported way.”
His fellow Kenton ward councillor, Stephen Lambert, said: “On behalf of the local community, parents, children, and governors of the school – this is a welcome decision.
“It provides investment in terms of rebuilding a large part of the school and this will enhance the learning opportunities for youngsters, and also complement new housing being built around Kenton Bar.”