Green light for showcase ‘eco’ rebuild of school

The showcase multi-million-pound project – featuring grassy rooftops with solar panels – will see Sandiacre’s outdated Friesland School almost completely demolished along with the former Friesland Leisure Centre, which is on the same site.

A brand new “net zero” campus will boast 31 classrooms and teaching areas, along with a drama studio, library, dining hall, sports hall and fitness suite. A replacement main school block – with rooftop grass and solar arrays – will rise to an impressive three storeys.

Architects’ plans were unveiled as Erewash council’s planning committee heard how the existing school had been deemed a prime candidate for redevelopment by the Department for Education.

A report to the meeting at Long Eaton Town Hall said: “The DfE have identified a number of buildings within the site that are either reaching the end of their life or where there is damage / defects that would require substantial work to extend the life of the buildings. 

“Consequently it is proposed to demolish those buildings and replace them with a new building. The DfE brief for the redevelopment requires the new school building to achieve net zero carbon emissions in operation, in conjunction with providing an efficient layout and high-quality design of all accommodation that will support pupils.” The project follows the closure of the site’s Friesland Leisure Centre. Only three buildings currently on the campus would remain – the science and technology block, the sixth form block and the performing arts block.

An all-weather pitch and multi-use games area will also be kept, along with three football pitches – but the plans include the installation of “amphitheatre”-type outdoor seating.

The new campus will include more car parking plus electric vehicle charging. But Derbyshire County Council’s Highway Authority stressed in its own report: “Pupil and staffing levels are not to change as a result of the proposed development. It is evident therefore that the proposals are simply providing new modern school facilities for the current pupils and staffing levels.”

The plans reveal how the new school will have a fenced “recovery garden” for pupils who feel they need a quiet space. This will be for “controlled, supervised use only”. There will also be a separate “SEND garden” for those with special educational needs.

Cllr Mark Alfrey, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Environment, said after the planning committee gave the green light: “I am pleased to see the development of Friesland School’s new campus, a transformative development project designed to support both education and sustainability. 

“The new facilities will include environmental adaptations such as grass rooftops, solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. 

“A recovery garden and SEND garden will be included to offer an outdoor calming environment. These types of gardens are designed to stimulate the senses and provide ‘hopeful’ places to rest and process emotions.

“Replacing the main school block, the new development will feature a library, dining hall and fitness suite – providing a tremendous boost for the students of Sandiacre. 

“Additionally, the upgraded sport facilities will significantly enhance opportunities for wider community engagement – promoting healthier and more active lifestyles from an early age.

“This exciting project underscores a commitment to fostering an inspiring, sustainable and inclusive learning environment for current and future generations.”