A County Durham school could see a major redevelopment including all-new playing fields, a new school building and a swimming pool after plans were submitted.
Woodham Academy, in Washington Crescent, Newton Aycliffe, could see its current school building demolished to make way for new playing fields and landscaping.
Meanwhile, a brand new three-storey school building and a new sports building will be erected on the site.
Plans for the development argue that the current building at Woodham Academy “falls short of modern school requirements” as it has “fragmented facilities, accessibility, daylight and energy performance and is approaching the end of its design life span.”
The new building is aimed at increasing a presence within the site, as well as a greater relationship with the community.
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Planners argue the new building has been designed to reduce carbon usage, including materials used, the location of the building, and the design of the building.
Considering has been made by the plans for “potential” for disruption to surrounding residents during the construction phase.
The new school would house around 1,200 students and 103 full-time staff.
Outside of the new building, a new sports pitch and surrounding playing fields are also being proposed.
Meanwhile, the new building's total space amounts to 9723m2 and would provide 55 teaching spaces.
The new separate sports hall would also include a swimming pool according to plans along with the usual sports amenities.
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To help towards a more carbon-neutral design, the new buildings could also boast a number of solar panels and “green roofs” with grass and plant life and biodiversity.
The plans have not yet been decided and can be viewed and commented on using the Durham County Council planning portal.
from Cllr Michael Stead, County Councillor for Woodham, said: "I’m absolutely delighted that Woodham Academy is getting the investment it needs for rebuilding.”
“With the £20million investment the County Council has also announced for Greenfield School, both our secondary schools are getting much needed investment after many years of deteriorating buildings.”
“This is wonderful news for Newton Aycliffe and for children across the town.
Danny Morgans, deputy headteacher at Woodham Academy, said: "We have been working very closely in partnership with the Department for Education and Galliford Try to provide the best facility possible for students attending the school.
"The proposed building will accommodate students in a variety of modern classrooms and specialist learning spaces; it will provide an attractive learning environment to complement the school curriculum and enhance students’ learning.
"It is an exciting opportunity to be working on the design of a state of the art new school building that will hopefully have far-reaching benefits to the whole community for generations to come."
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