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Saturday 20 October 2018

Investing in Sidmouth College's future

There are questions over the viability of Sidmouth College - in terms of the town's demographics, the investment in education and the competing attraction of Exeter College:
Futures Forum: The general election in the West Country: the issues >>> education
Futures Forum: Devon County Council elections: the issues > school funding

Nevertheless, serious money is being put into new buildings and facilities:
Sidmouth College unveil designs of new classroom block proposals | Sidmouth and Ottery breaking news and sport - Sidmouth Herald
Sidmouth College redevelopment plans - Radio Exe

As reported in the Express & Echo:

Multi-million pound Sidmouth College redevelopment plans revealed

Subject to planning permission, the new build could be complete by April 2020.


Daniel ClarkLocal Democracy Reporter
18:23, 19 OCT 2018

Plans for the multi-million pound redevelopment of Sidmouth College to improve the buildings students are taught in have gone on show at a public exhibition.

The scheme would see the existing 1960s main building demolished and replacement with a new, three-storey building, on the edge of the existing car park. A grassed quad area would then replace the old building.

Subject to planning permission, the new build could be complete by April 2020.



Artist impression of Sidmouth College redevelopment (Image: Bouygues UK)

Speaking at a consultation event on Thursday night, Stephen Deacon, project manager for contractors Bouygues, said that the proposals would enable the students to be taught in bright, modern, and improved classrooms.

He said: “A large number of the existing buildings around the site will remain in use, but we are going to provide a new building for the students and then demolish the old main building.

“The school roll is not increasing and the number of pupils will remain the same, but what this will do is give the new building a much more efficient layout for the needs of the school. The old building was very tired and some of the spaces are hard to teach in, so it will be making a much more efficient layout of the space.”


Artist impression of Sidmouth College redevelopment (Image: Bouygues UK)

The new building would be built on the edge of the existing car park and would consist of one three storey and one two storey block joined in an L shape.

A new modern science suite would be built on the top floor, while history, geography, religious education, music, a technology workshop, offices and stores, new kitchens and dining spaces for students would also be provided.

A school hall, activity studio, reception area, staff room and officers would also be housed in the new building.

The current building would then be demolished and replaced with a grassed quad area.


Artist impression of Sidmouth College redevelopment (Image: Bouygues UK)

Formal plans are due to be submitted on November 5. If approved, work would start in April 2019 and last around 12 months. Then after Easter 2020, demolition work would begin on the old building and last until the summer.

Mr Deacon added: “The feedback for the school plan itself has been really good. There are some obvious worries about the effect of traffic and parking during the construction phase, which are totally valid, and we are going to come up with a plan and a solution to that, but no doubt, there will be an effect.


Artist impression of Sidmouth College redevelopment (Image: Bouygues UK)

“There have been a few thoughts about overlooking, but people are saying that the school will be in a better position. But generally the response has been positive and any feedback will feed into plans.”

Funding for the building work was secured after Devon County Council submitted a successful bid to the Priority Schools Building Programme back in 2014.


Artist impression of Sidmouth College redevelopment (Image: Bouygues UK)

Sarah Parsons, Sidmouth College principal, said that everyone at the school would benefit from the new build and it would provide improved facilities.


Multi-million pound Sidmouth College redevelopment plans revealed - Devon Live
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