Sandbach School is set to get a massive makeover after being awarded funds as part of the School Rebuilding Programme.

DPP Planning are preparing to submit a planning application and listed building consent, on behalf of Bowmer and Kirkland and the Department for Education (DfE), for the proposed redevelopment of Sandbach School in Crewe Road.

The school, founded in 1677, has occupied its site near the centre of Sandbach since 1851. It has around 1,500 students plus 300 sixth form students.

DPP Planning say: "The proposed development seeks 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 School Building, together with associated works including landscaping, car parking and siting of temporary accommodation for the duration of the construction.

DPP Planning are preparing to submit a planning application and listed building consent, on behalf of Bowmer and Kirkland and the Department for Education (DfE (Photo: Nub News,

"The proposed building will be in the form of an 'L' shape located directly to the west of the Grade II Listed Gilbert Scott School Building and will largely sit on the footprint of the existing teaching blocks.

"The proposed teaching block will be three storeys, adjacent to a two storey block comprising of a new swimming pool, a four court sports hall, dining, main hall, and kitchen.

"The swimming pool and sports hall will be available for use by the community. It is proposed that the new school building will be net-zero carbon in operation and will include sustainability features such as PV panels and ground source heat pumps.

"Externally, new landscaped areas are planned throughout the site, including the reinstatement of the historic courtyard, to create an aesthetic environment for pupils and staff, as well as helping to achieve biodiversity net gain.

"Existing trees on the site's boundaries will be retained and enhanced where possible. Internal and external alterations to the Grade II listed Gilbert Scott School Building are also proposed which include demolition of the 1950s dining room and assembly hall wings, which are of no heritage significance and are at the rear of the building.

"It is further proposed that a flat roof extension, which detracts from the front of the listed building is also demolished.

"In addition, the proposal includes making good works, external repairs to historic fabric, thermal performance upgrades and refurbishment and re-purposing of the internal spaces.

"In terms of phasing, the school is to utilise temporary teaching accommodation on the existing tennis courts to the south of the site during the construction period. Once the school has been decanted into the new build, the tennis courts will be re-instated."

A spokeserson from Sandbach School 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."

Full details about the proposed plan can be viewed here

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