Planning permission has been granted in an important step for the secondary school expansion, which is set to be located on a new site in Locking Parklands.
The decision paves the way for construction to begin later this year, with the facilities expected to open to pupils by 2023.
Funded through Homes England’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, the building will offer 900 school places, ensuring there is enough additional intake to support young people and growing families for years to come.
Similarly, the building has been designed with the future in mind, including on-site energy generation and a recycling centre to help reduce carbon emissions, as well as extra bike storage to provide pupils with a sustainable option of cycling to school.
The new Locking Parklands site will be developed as a space predominately for Key Stage 3 and 4 provision (Years 7 – 11) and the curriculum will specialise in environmental science and climate change.
Ian Garforth, Principal of Winterstoke Hundred Academy, said: “We are delighted that Winterstoke Hundred Academy students will get to learn in a state-of-the-art building that offers so many possibilities for their school experience.
“We’ve worked in close partnership with North Somerset Council and Kier to ensure that this academy will be great for our students now, and great for the students of the future too. Whether it’s Creative Arts, sports facilities, environmental sustainability, or community access, we are pleased that the WHA students will have outstanding facilities available to complement the facilities and resources that already exist.”
Cllr Catherine Gibbons, Executive Member for Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning said: “As North Somerset grows, it is vital that there are sufficient school places for our young people. As such, I am delighted to announce that this exciting school expansion has been given the go ahead.
“The building’s design promises bright and spacious facilities where young people can get the very best start in life. What’s more, the designs boast excellent green credentials, helping us all to do our bit to tackle the climate emergency, working towards North Somerset’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.”
Construction of the school will be undertaken by contractors Kier, and also include outdoor areas and improved sports facilities which it is hoped can be open to the general public. You can read more about the scheme at n-somerset.gov.uk/WHAE
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