The redevelopment of Honiton Community College has taken a step forward, after the school won a £1.8million grant to build a new sport and fitness complex on the campus.

The project will represent phase two of the school development, following the building of the Technology and Modern Foreign Languages building in 2014.

The new sport complex, which will consist of a sports hall, a fitness suite, four class rooms, an IT suite, four changing rooms, a dance studio and departmental office space, and will be joined up with the first phase project to create a state of the art shared building.

The school had applied for an Educational Funding Agen- cy grant earlier this year but their application fell just short of reaching the required standard. Following an appeal by the school, however, the bid was reconsidered and deem- ed worthy of the grant.

The current school gym and three old classrooms will be demolished to make way for the new complex, with the remaining area being turned into a recreational area for the students.

Honiton Community College headteacher Glenn Smith said: “It is amazing news for both the college and our community.

“The old adage: ‘You don’t get if you don’t ask’ certainly applies in the educational world!

“It is the responsibility of my staff and I to ensure we do our absolute upmost to provide the finest possible education for the students of Honiton, and the surrounding villages, in the best possible learning environment.

“Therefore, it is our aim to make sure that we fight for our rightful share of the Educational Funding Agency’s annual capital budget allocation.

“Our phase two bid was ambitious, considering the total cost of a state of the art sports and fitness centre would be £1.8million, but we were adamant that approval of our bid would greatly enhance our facilities.

“Obviously, Matt Burrell, Director of Finance and Resources, produced a very strong bid, that, eventually, met with ministerial approval.

“The college is very fortunate to have an outstanding Sport and Physical Education department that is committed to delivering an excellent curriculum to every child, no matter their ability.

“It is essential that every student not only understands the importance of personal fitness, but more importantly, leaves school with the intent of maintaining a healthy level of exercise in adult life. Having modern, purpose built, accommodation will support our goal.

“Construction is due to commence at the start of January, with completion calendared for the end of August 2017 – just in time for the start of the 2017-18 academic year.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Burrell as well as our architects, TFQ, for their hard work and professionalism throughout the application process.

“The new build will have a significant impact on many students’ lives in the future.”

 

Source : viewnews.co.uk

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