First look at proposals for new Amble school

Members of the public are being invited to a pre-planning consultation event on designs for the replacement school buildings for James Calvert Spence College (JCSC) on Acklington Road.

Northumberland County Council is also planning further investment into refurbishing the South Avenue site of JCSC to create new facilities for Amble First School and a satellite provision for Barndale House School to provide 50 new places for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

It is proposed that the new school buildings for JCSC, designed by Ryder Architecture, will use innovative technologies to create a net zero carbon in operation school, supporting the council’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The event is an opportunity for members of the local community, school staff, parents and carers to review the design proposals and provide feedback prior to the submission of the planning application.

It will be held at James Calvert Spence College, Acklington Road, today, Wednesday, January 25 from 5.30pm until 7.30pm.

The design and project team will be available on the evening to answer any questions and take feedback on the proposals.

As well as improving the teaching and learning environment for pupils, improvements to the on-site sporting and community facilities will benefit the wider Amble community.

The enhanced facilities include: A floodlit 3G full size football pitch; a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA); a series of football and rugby pitches; and an all-weather running track.

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member with responsibility for children’s services, said: “This is really exciting news for Amble. Not only will this development provide first-class learning facilities for our children and young people, but fantastic sports facilities that will benefit the community too.

“We hope members of the community will come along to take a look at the designs and tell us what you think.”

If you cannot attend the event, visit https://dppukltd.com/ambleschools from January 25 to February 1 to view the proposals and provide any comments.

Up to £40m has been agreed by Northumberland County Council to be spent on the school building development and upgrades to schools in the Coquet Partnership. The current three tier educational system will be changed to two tier.

Following this consultation, a planning application will be submitted, and the planning department will offer a further opportunity for residents to provide their views.