How will proposed new school building inspire? It looks more like a prison than a place of learning

 

                                       

MOST of the world's great centres of learning - think Cambridge and Oxford - consists of beautiful buildings.

Even in the Grimsby area, our Victorian forefathers built beautifully designed schools with the aim of inspiring pupils and staff alike.

How disappointing, then, to see the architect's vision for the proposed new 750-pupil Beacon Academy, off Chatsworth Place in Cleethorpes!

Is it a school or is it a prison?

Why the need for a new building?

Says a report to North East Lincolnshire Council planners from Watson Batty architects: "The current buildings are a disparate plan form, presenting complication on delivering the school curriculum. 

"The current arrangement also presents difficulties in providing a suitable secure environment for the pupils. 

"The proposals will take advantage of a single block to rationalise the ‘secure line’ to provide suitable safe environments for the pupils." 

On the plus side, it seems there will be an accompanying initiative to provide attractive landscaping, with many news proposed.

The report continues: "Where possible existing trees and hedgerows will be retained throughout the site with minor  pruning works proposed in areas where construction access requirements may otherwise result in damage to overhanging branches. 

"Where trees are removed to facilitate development, these will be replaced at a ratio of three new trees for every tree lost.

"The soft landscape elements provided in the site layout are set out to define spatial zoning, reinforce routeways, reduce the impact of fencing and provide sensory experiences for site users while visually integrating the built and natural elements of the proposed development.

"Substantial tree planting within the site will serve better to integrate the built elements into its context, forming wildlife corridors and providing passive shading for the benefit of both amenity and biodiversity.

"Tree planting will be complemented with species rich native hedgerows and single species deciduous hedgerows that will be located to reinforce wildlife corridors and soften fencing." 

This section of the report concludes: "Varied planting through the site will include flower-rich perennial planting, sensory planting and bold ground cover planting that will provide character to the different areas of the site and seasonal interest to the school grounds."

Plans for the new school are currently being considered by NELC planners.

Assuming it goes ahead, spare a thought for the pupils and staff who face working on a building site during construction.