Claremont School redevelopment proposals
Consultation has concluded
Overview
Claremont School and Bristol City Council are working on a capital programme to redevelop the Claremont School site in Henleaze. The proposals, which will address the current building suitability issues and deteriorating condition, are to retain and refurbish Claremont House and demolish the majority of aging buildings to enable the construction of a modern, purpose built, special school. The redevelopment would also enable all key stages to be based at the Henleaze site, providing greater opportunities for cohesion between all school years.
A feasibility study has been undertaken by Bristol City Council in conjunction with Claremont School and a preferred base option, which requires the most redevelopment, has been identified by Claremont School. We are pleased to share the proposals with you and would very much welcome any comments you may have.
The proposals include:
- a new hydrotherapy pool, suitable for use by all years, located at the front on the building to also enable improved access for community use
- a large hall, also capable of being divided, to enable the whole school to be brought together
- defined and designated teaching areas to enable pupils of all age groups and key stages to be together
- additional teaching spaces for Early Years and Post-16
- Parent zone, including a suitable designated meeting room for discussions with Family Link workers
- multiple lifts
- south facing external area for Early Years play, including covered areas, in a courtyard setting
- external main play space for all ages, including interactive raised sensory areas and activity zones
- a designated parking and drop-off area adjacent to the main student and staff entrances
Other options which retained the existing hydrotherapy pool on the Henleaze site were considered, however discounted due to limitations of the pool.
It is to be noted that the plans and images shown in the online survey are a preliminary base option and may be subject to change pending comments and design development.
Temporary arrangements during the proposed site redevelopment
During the proposed construction and redevelopment works, there will be a need to relocate Henleaze classes to specialist temporary teaching accommodation nearby, anticipated to be circa 2-miles from Henleaze. Various options, including the provision of modular units or existing buildings are currently being assessed. The temporary accommodation will be fully fitted with the required specialist equipment to meet the pupils teaching needs.
Provisional programme
Subject to feedback and progression of various considerations, the provisional timescales to develop the preferred option are for a Planning Application to be submitted in the Spring/ Summer 2021. The moves to temporary accommodation will be programmed during a summer vacation to ensure the pupils school experience is not unduly disrupted.
We are unfortunately unable to hold an engagement meeting at this time due to Covid-19 restrictions, however, we would very much welcome your feedback and any comments or concerns you may have regarding any aspects of the outline proposals, temporary accommodation arrangements and provisional programme.
Please could you complete responses to the questions in the short survey and provide any comments by Sunday 6th December 2020. In addition, should you have any specific queries, please contact the Schools Leadership Team via Claremont.sp@bristol-schools.uk.