A major £13-million extension project has been revealed for Aylestone School in Hereford, signaling a significant expansion to accommodate an additional 300 students.
The proposed extension encompasses a new sports hall, a two-storey teaching block housing six classrooms, a music room, practice spaces, and changing accommodation, in addition to the remodelling of existing facilities.
Upon completion, the expansion will increase the number of forms in each year from three to five, commencing with the intake of new year 7 students in September 2026. This will gradually elevate pupil numbers from the current 450 to 750.
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The planning application (number 251073) submitted to Herefordshire Council seeks approval for the new block, which has been strategically designed to minimize any adverse impact on the setting of the grade II listed Aylestone House, forming part of the school.
The proposed building, situated on the existing playing fields, will have access via Broadlands Lane and Eastnor Drive, with plans indicating the retention of mature trees on the grounds.
In consideration of the loss of existing playing fields, the proposal emphasizes the provision of much-needed indoor sports facilities to enhance the quality of sports provision, alongside additional parking near the new building.
The two-storey building, featuring a slightly taller sports hall with contrasting external cladding, is intended to be accessible as a separate entity for the use of local clubs, teams, and the community outside of school hours.
Following the council’s spending decision in 2023, a public consultation on the proposal was conducted in March, with comments on the planning application open for submission until May 18.