Buildings at three Hampshire schools will be refurbished as part of a £3 million project to modernise classrooms, reduce energy costs and replace windows, doors and lights.
At his latest Executive Member for Policy and Resources Decision Day, the Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Roy Perry, approved plans to upgrade buildings built in the 1960s at three schools including:
• Alderwood School, Aldershot - £932,000
• Westgate School, Winchester - £1,048,000
• Applemore College, Dibden Purlieu – £1,048,000
Councillor Perry said: “Whilst structurally sound, buildings at these three schools are in need of work - with poor insulation and relatively high energy costs. Recladding the buildings will not only reduce energy costs and help protect the environment, but will also extend the life of the buildings. Windows, doors and lights will be replaced and classrooms will be modernised. This method has been tried and tested successfully in over 30 Hampshire school buildings – making them more sustainable and delivering the best value for money for taxpayers.”
Councillor Peter Edgar, Executive Member for Education, added: “This investment is very important, as the quality of school buildings is a significant factor in the success of a child’s learning. These upgraded buildings will create brighter and more inspiring buildings in which pupils can thrive and succeed.”
The system to reclad these buildings has been developed in consultation with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service as part of the now decade-long close working partnership with Hampshire County Council. The cladding system uses brick and render finishes and significantly improves the fire safety of these buildings.
Aluminium composite panels which have raised some concerns recently are not used for these proposed works.
The works will be delivered by the County Council’s in-house Property Services with funding from the Government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency.
Works at Applemore and Westgate are due to start in the summer, and expected to last eight to nine months. Works at Alderwood are due to start from April and last nine months.
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