Newport school plans to expand teaching facilities

Haberdashers' Adams Grammar School has submitted a planning application to Telford & Wrekin Council to build a two-storey classroom block with art classrooms and a multi-use hall.

The proposed teaching block would be located on a disused grassed area known as The Paddocks.

A report, submitted with the plans, states: "The application is for a new teaching block to expand the teaching facilities within the main school site.

"In addition there will be 200m² hall and staff offices within the building.

"The proposed single/double storey building is a new addition to the school.

"The proposed design provides the school with the extra teaching spaces to allow the increase of pupils at the school and to provide a ‘fit-for’ purpose art department.

"The proposal provides a design that vastly improves the current facilities whilst taking into consideration its location, such as site levels, trees, boundaries and neighbouring dwellings."

The main school campus covers about 2.8 hectares, with the proposed teaching block located south of the main entrance to the school.

It is the school's latest expansion scheme.

During the 20th century, the school saw a period of expansion with many additional teaching facilities added.

These included a large teaching block, gymnasium, science laboratories, design technology centre, mathematics and information technology building and a modern languages centre.

In 1993 girls were admitted to the sixth form as day pupils.

The report says: "Expansion has continued into the start of the 21st century with the construction of a new sports hall, thanks to the generosity of many who donated to a major fundraising appeal, and the conversion of the former gymnasium into a performing arts centre.

"In 2007, a significant new science block was opened, housing eight laboratories and the design technology department.

"Most recent developments include conversion of the former performing arts centre into a state of the art sixth form centre incorporating a university style lecture theatre as well as dedicated teaching and study areas.

"The former coach house has now become the music and performing arts centre with the Hamilton Hall, a dedicated performance space, at the heart of it. The humanities building, incorporating six new teaching rooms, was completed during this significant period of development."

A decision on the latest proposals is expected to be made by Telford & Wrekin Council in the upcoming months.