Plans to transform QEII Jubilee School given go ahead

Extensive multi-million pound work to transform a special school in Westminster has been given the go-ahead.

At a meeting on Thursday evening (November 12), the council's planning applications sub-committee approved plans for a new two-storey extension to Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School, which will provide a new hydrotherapy pool, physiotherapy room and sensory roof garden for around 70 pupils with severe learning difficulties.

This is the latest scheme to be approved as part of the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme in Westminster - a £152 million programme which is set to transform education provision in the capital.

The BSF programme is being delivered by the Westminster Local Education Partnership (LEP) in partnership with construction and services company Bouygues UK.

Under the approved plans, the £5.7 million redevelopment will result in an increase of 400 sq metres of educational floorspace, enlarged specialist classrooms and a new dedicated sixth form area with a gym.

A new learning resource centre and special educational needs staff training facility will also be provided, along with greatly improved Information and Communications Technology.

The school, which caters for five to 19-year-olds, will have a new green roof and will be served by a gas fired air source heat pump, helping to reduce the school's carbon emissions by 17%.

Cllr Mark Page, Westminster Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Our aim is to provide the best possible start in life for every child in Westminster and I am delighted that this scheme has been given the go ahead as it represents a significant improvement to the existing educational facilities.

"These new resources and the quality of the design will have a positive effect on the students' learning and achievement."

Lionel Christolomme, Managing Director of Bouygues UK, said:
“The new teaching and learning facilities at the QEII Jubilee school will be enormously beneficial to the pupils and teachers so it's fantastic news that permission has been granted for us to progress the scheme. We are very proud to be involved in a project that will have such a positive impact on educational achievement.”

Bouygues UK is already undertaking work in six other schools in Westminster including Pimlico Academy, St Marylebone, Westminster City School, St Augustine's CE, St George's RC and Grey Coat Hospital.

cnews