Plans for a £10 million development - which will be one of the most cutting-edge and energy-efficient school buildings in the world - have been unveiled in Leeds.
Education Leeds is proposing to replace Richmond Hill Primary School's ageing buildings with a unique new facility designed and built to meet the revolutionary PassivHaus design standards.
The announcement comes a matter of months after plans were approved for 2,700 extra places at 19 primary schools in Leeds amid a surge in pupil numbers.
Education chiefs say the school design uses an innovative approach to low energy buildings and will achieve exceptionally low running costs as it uses nominal amounts of energy for heating and cooling.
The school will also include a number of innovative and 'futureproof' features including wide corridors - or 'learning streets' - to allow for group and individual learning away from the traditional classroom; larger classrooms to allow for future flexibility across the school; small group rooms for personalised learning; dedicated multi-purpose community space; and a multi-purpose hall.
School planned to open in two years
If approved, the new school - which is planned to open in September 2012 - will include a new three form of entry primary school, SEN (special education needs) provision for 16 children with autism and a nursery.
The SEN provision will provide a unique and specialist learning environment for 16 autistic children who will be able to learn in a purpose-built classroom as an alternative to a specialist placement.
Councillor Jane Dowson, executive board member for learning at Leeds Council, said:
"These plans highlight our ambition to provide all children and young people with the best possible schools and education, wherever they live in Leeds. The proposed new Richmond Hill Primary School will be a state-of-the-art building which will offer nursery and primary education – as well as SEN provision – to children in east Leeds."It's another example of a school building project going ahead in Leeds and we'll continue to do everything we can to improve schools wherever possible."
Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said:
"These plans outline the world class facilities which will benefit the whole community in Richmond Hill. Not only will the children have access to world-class facilities and classrooms and brilliant teaching, the wider community will also be able to use the facilities outside of normal school hours.
"The new school, which will be one of the most advanced school buildings in the world, will provide much needed additional places to meet the demand for primary school places in this part of Leeds. If the plans are approved, September 2012 will be an exciting time for education in Richmond Hill."
Education Leeds is working with the council and the East Leeds Amateur Rugby League Club to minimise disruption to the club during the rebuild and to ensure there are high standard facilities at the school once the school opens.
Education Leeds has committed to provide a turfed rugby league pitch to Rugby Football League standards, fencing to separate the pitch from the school, ball-stop, dugouts and spectator barriers to the Richmond Hill site and a secured use of the pitch for the future.
If planning permission is granted, work is due to start on the school in January 2011 to open in September 2012.
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