Sherfield Development Proposals
Sherfield School is proposing to re-develop and enhance its existing site to create a world class education facility with a strong focus on sport and the performing arts.
Before submitting proposals to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Sherfield School is inviting comments from local residents and businesses.
The Headmaster of Sherfield School, Dick Jaine explains: “We are now at a stage where we have more information on our proposals, which we want to discuss with local people. The exhibitions are an opportunity to find out more about the plans and we encourage you to come along as the views of the local community are important to us. Members of the development team will be on hand to guide you through the plans and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you there.”
The school is set to increase pupil numbers from the current level of 400-500 students over the course of 8-10 years. The school has an aspiration to cater for ar
ound 90 nursery children, 120 pre-prep, 400 prep level and up to 790 at a senior level. The site will have facilities for up to 400 pupils to board. Plans for development on the site include:
What are the proposals for development?
- A new Olympic 50 metre swimming pool, in collaboration with Sport England
- 8 court indoor sports hall
- 3G sports pitches for football and hockey
- Free standing cricket pavilion
- Performing arts centre with seated auditorium
- State of the art boarding facilities
- Additional classrooms to accommodate projected growth
- Cars/drop off and pick up/lay-by/coach parking area
- Proposal to demolish all the 1960’s buildings that have a detrimental effect on the Grade II listed Sherfield Manor
How will the local community benefit?
The development will provide a number of community benefits, which include:
Sports Facilities for Community Use
The development will provide a number of new sporting facilities at Sherfield, which will be available for community use for sports clubs, local schools and community groups, ensuring local people will be able to benefit.
Community Benefit Fund
Sherfield School will be introducing a Community Benefit fund, which will help to provide, maintain, or upgrade local village projects or services during the life of the construction period.
Economic Benefits:
A number of jobs will also be created during the construction phase. This will include construction jobs on site as well as indirect employment for local businesses serving the needs of the development/workforce. Further teaching and support staff will also be required as the school expands.
Scholarships
GEMS schools offer foundation scholarships and a wide range of academic and other scholarships in order to encourage and provide for pupils who are gifted and talented.
Improved Transport Infrastructure
The site will see improved transport access to mitigate any increase in traffic, currently we are investigating a signal-controlled junction to be constructed at the junction of Wildmoor Lane and the A33.
Preserving History
The character of the existing Sherfield Manor and the setting will be enhanced with the demolition of surrounding 20th century school developments built prior to the main building being listed in 2004.
What is the timetable for the development?
GEMS Education plans to submit planning applications to Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council during the Autumn of 2013 following a full public consultation process.
PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR VIEWS
Sherfield School and GEMS Education would like to know your views. You can send us your feedback in a number of ways. Please attend the exhibition or provide your comments on the plans by using the contact details below.
Email: Jbird@quatro-pr.co.uk
Write to: James Bird, Quatro PR, 20-24 Old Street, London, EC1V 9AB
Telephone: 02075667974