Croydon residents got a glimpse of how the new Harris Academy in Purley will be transformed at a public exhibition event that took place last week.
Visitors to the academy were able to view and comment on the council's redevelopment plans, which will see dated facilities at the school replaced with world-class teaching and learning facilities. Representatives from Croydon Council's Transforming Croydon Schools (TCS) programme, as well as award-winning architects Aedas and building contractor Wilmott Dixon - the highest placed contractor in the Sunday Times Best Green Companies List - were there to explain the proposals, respond to questions and listen to feedback.
The plans for Harris Academy Purely are part of the Transforming Croydon Schools programme which will see £350 million invested in education across the borough over the next decade. Its aim is to transform the standard of education in the borough and make every local school the natural choice for parents.
If approved, the £18.5 million redevelopment plans for Harris Academy Purley will deliver:
■State of the art new teaching and learning facilities to meet the evolving needs of 21st century students together with extensive refurbishment of buildings and amenities not earmarked for replacement. It will also include a new four storey building to house the Business and Enterprise Faculty, more hard courts and a full-size all weather pitch.
■A host of sustainable features to reduce the academy's carbon footprint, with over 25 per cent of its energy to come from renewable sources such as photovoltaic solar power and natural ventilation, helping it achieve a BREEAM rating of excellent.
Harris Academy Purley opened in September 2009 with the aim for building plans to be finalised towards the end of this year. If consent is granted, work could begin at the academy in January 2011 and be completed by summer 2012.
Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, young people and learners, said: "We are all very excited about these plans and the ability to create a spectacular environment for learning which feels modern, bright and inspiring. Redevelopment at this site will ensure that standards at the academy will continue to improve and that current and future students are given the opportunity to truly fulfil their academic potential in a leading educational environment.
"The proposals not only match our aspirations for an academy that brings learning alive but the designs also meet the highest standards of environmental sustainability. It was very interesting to hear feedback from all parents, students and local residents regarding the exciting new plans we have in place. I would also like to highlight that if approved, every effort would be made to ensure any disruption to the school and to local communities is kept at an absolute minimum while works are being carried out."
Carol-Anne Alcock, principal of the academy, said: "While it is students and teachers that are at the heart of our academy rather than the building, these plans will give us a learning environment we can benefit from for generations to come. We've been working closely with the council and architects to develop the plans and I can safely say that our students were delighted when they saw what is being proposed."
The exhibition was open on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 June between 4pm and 7pm at Harris Academy Purley.
Please do contact us with any issues or concerns you may have. We answer all our constituents' correspondence and value your comments. If you want your concern addressed by your local team, please follow the link above.
