By Melanie Walker
People in Sandbach are being asked for their views on an extensive £60 million redevelopment project.
As part of the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme, Sandbach School on Crewe Road has been selected for new investment, which will see the Grade II listed building transformed into a three-storey, modern teaching facility.
In plans announced by Bowmer and Kirkland, the developer said: “Most of the existing buildings are life-expired and no longer fit for modern day teaching purposes.”
The development will involve the demolition of 12 blocks, construction of a new sports hall and teaching block, internal and external alterations to the Grade II listed Gilbert Scott building, and associated works including landscaping, car parking and siting of temporary accommodation for the duration of the build.
The new L-shaped building will sit mostly within the footprint of the existing teaching blocks, next to a two-storey construction that will house a new swimming pool, four-court sports hall, dining area, main hall and kitchen.
The developer said the new building would be net-zero carbon in operation and include sustainability features such as solar panels and ground source heat pumps.
Residents were invited to a drop-in public consultation meeting at the school last Monday.
As the “Chronicle” reported in September 2023, the school was on a list of 147 released by the Government that were at risk of containing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
At the time, ministers announced that all schools containing the lightweight building material, which was prone to sudden collapse as it aged, should close until safety measures could be assessed.
Speaking after that announcement, headteacher Sarah Burns said she was thankful that the school had been accepted onto the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme.
“I’m hoping it will be the solution for our Grade II listed roof, which alone is going to cost millions,” she said.
“When it rains, we have to use buckets.”
Announcing the latest plans on behalf of the school, David Osborne, its director of finance and resources, said: “This once-in-a-lifetime project will secure the future of the listed buildings whilst delivering state-of-the-art teaching, sport and community facilities.
“The project will see a new sports centre constructed with a 25-metre swimming pool, community sports hall and fitness suites.
“The school will also benefit from new state-of-the-art design and technology, science, ICT and music classrooms alongside new dining facilities and covered areas for students.”
He said a purpose-built facility would also be constructed to cater for the school’s growing sixth form.
After attending the school meeting where the plans were announced, Sandbach mayor Coun John Arnold — speaking as an individual and not on behalf of the council — said: “I feel cautiously optimistic.
“It looks like the school will be a real asset with fantastic facilities and should look pretty beautiful. It looks like a truly modern, comprehensive facility.”
He explained that several community groups that used the school’s swimming pool would need to find a new home during the construction period, which is expected to take around three and a half years.
He said: “My next job is to try and find those groups somewhere else to go. I expect a lot of people will have something to say about the plans, but it will go through the usual planning process and consultation.”
He expected the project to be assigned a planning application number and be available for comment through Cheshire East Council before the end of the year.
If approved, construction would likely begin in mid-2026.
Coun Arnold added: “It’s just the changeover that might be painful. But we’re not talking about trucks ploughing through town or extra parking on the streets—they’ve come up with a plan to address all of those pressures.”
Mrs Burns added: “I’m thrilled to see this project come together after years of planning with the Department for Education and the design team of Bowmer and Kirkland.
“This significant investment, in the region of £60 million, will transform the school estate securing the educational heritage of Sandbach School for future generations.
“I am especially pleased that the proposed works secure the long-term future of the listed buildings, which are such an important feature of the school and the town, while also delivering 21st century facilities for students and the community”
The plans can be found at dpp1.co.uk/sandbachschool.
(Photo: DPP Consulting).
