A Norfolk school today moves a step closer to realising its long-held dream of relocating to a new purpose-built facility as plans for an £11.8m building are published.
For several years Attleborough's Chapel Road School, which caters for children with complex needs, has tried to find funding and a location for a new site which it says is 'desperately needed' to expand, modernise and meet the needs of its current and future students.
With Norfolk County Council committing £8m and the Department for Education £3.5m, parents and students now have a vision of what the new school would look like.
Built adjacent to the primary and secondary schools in Old Buckenham, the new building would cater for 110 students and include classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, hydrotherapy pool, library, ICT suite, football pitches and a multi-use games area. It would also be energy efficient.
The plans have been released as part of a consultation into whether the proposed move should go ahead.
Terry Hickman Smith, chairman of governors, said: 'We have desperately needed a new school for a very long time. Now, thanks to Norfolk County Council, the government grant and much hard and continuous work by our member of parliament, county councillors, district councillors and so many other people, we are about to realise our dream.
Headteacher Karin Heap added: 'Everyone at school is delighted with the prospect of moving to a new, purpose-built school, adjacent to the primary and secondary schools in Old Buckenham. We will have much more space and fabulous new resources.'
Drop-in events will be held on Tuesday, June 17 at Old Buckenham Primary School, from 3.30pm to 7.30pm (with a presentation at 6pm) and on Wednesday, June 18 at Chapel Road School from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.
The consultation is at www.citzenspace.com/norfolk/consultation/chapelroadschool relocation Alternatively, email schoolreview@norfolk.gov.uk or write to: Chapel Road School consultation, FREEPOST, IH 2076, Room 22, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2BR.
What do you think of the plans? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk
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