Redevelopment of Ormiston Sudbury Academy, in Tudor Road, will create a ‘school fit for the future’, according to consultants

Plans for a major redevelopment at Ormiston Sudbury Academy will create a school fit for the future, according to the consultants working on the scheme.

Chartered Surveyors Dobson-Grey, which is working in partnership with the academy, in Tudor Road, presented its case to Sudbury Town Council last week.

The plans come after the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme identified the school as requiring redevelopment due to the ‘poor physical condition’ of the current buildings.

It is one of nearly 600 schools around the country which have been classified as ‘outdated and inefficient’ by the Department for Education.

The scheme would mean the demolition of some of the school’s existing buildings, including The Curve Arts Centre, the Keyes building, the sports facility and the design and technology block.

In its place, a new, larger school building would be constructed, alongside a replacement sports block, a new multi-use games area and expanded parking and recreational space.

At a meeting of Sudbury Town Council, Keri Dobson, managing director of Dobson-Grey, was joined by a representative from the Department for Education and contractors Bowmer and Kirkland.

Mrs Dobson said: “The redevelopment creates a school that is fit for the future.

“It represents a significant investment in the future of the town and will deliver numerous benefits.

“It will provide a high-quality, 21st century environment for pupils and staff, offer more comfort, efficiency and will create a conducive atmosphere for learning and teaching.

“It is also designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation and be energy efficient.

“It represents a commitment to education, sustainability and the wellbeing of the Sudbury community, for generations to come.”

Nigel Bennett, chairman of the town council’s planning and highways committee, said councillors were very positive about the plans and welcomed the investment in education.

However, he added that councillors were still seeking reassurances over community use.

Sudbury Sports Centre has been available for community access outside of school hours, with numerous clubs and groups hiring the venue for activities.

These concerns have also been raised by Sport England, as well as potential lighting issues by environmental protection officers, and parking issues by the neighbouring Phoenix Centre.

Kieran Healy, project manager from the Department for Education, told the meeting that updated design plans had now been submitted to Babergh District Council to address these.

He said that public access to the sports facility would be a question for Ormiston Academy Trust, adding that talks were under way, which could become the ‘crux’ of any final planning decision.

Mr Healy said: “It is an incredibly exciting time and we are excited by what we can deliver in the next few years.”

Sudbury Town Council recommend approval, subject to the resolution of the holding objections by Sport England, environmental protection, and concerns raised by the Phoenix Centre.

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