School's vision for the future

ARTIST'S impression . . . how the new building at Royton and Crompton School will look if plans get the green light

STUDENTS, parents and members of the public will be able to get a first glimpse at plans for a much-needed redevelopment of Royton and Crompton School next week.

Construction business Galliford Try is holding a public consultation event on Monday ahead of submitting a planning application for a new building at the Blackshaw Lane School.

The new block, designed by architects AHR of Manchester, will replace the existing 1960s main building with the original main building demolished following completion of building work elsewhere on the site.

Other buildings on the site, including the sports hall, and the existing all-weather pitch, will be retained.

Funding for the new building is part of the Education and Skills Funding Agency's Priority School Building Programme.

Last year, Oldham Council agreed to fund an extra £3.5 million to not only rebuild but expand the dated school as part of a £17.5 million overhaul.

A total of £14 million was earmarked by the Education Funding Agency (EFA) to rebuild Royton & Crompton secondary after the school's bid for the cash was successful in 2015.

Galliford Try, which has a regional base in Warrington, has been selected to deliver the project with proposals for the new building to be submitted for planning approval by Oldham Council in July.

Jim Parker, managing director of Galliford Try North-West, said: "We look forward to welcoming local people to see our plans and speak to us and our stakeholders about this exciting project.

"Galliford Try has an excellent track record of working with the ESFA to produce high-quality educational facilities and we believe this new building for Royton and Crompton School will be of great benefit to local children and the wider community."

Local residents and other interested parties are invited to view the plans for the new building at a drop-in consultation event at the school on Monday, between 4 and 7.30pm.

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Oldham Council's Cabinet member for Education and Early Years, said: "This consultation is a chance for parents, residents and interested parties to help shape the future of Royton and Crompton School.

"Your views and opinions are important to us and we want to hear them."

Parents, pupils and local councillors have argued for years that the school facilities are not adequate and are in desperate need of refurbishment.

Councillor Howard Sykes described the school as "physically falling apart and in desperate need of replacement" and lobbied for funding for a new school to be prioritised.