Campus redevelopment
A design masterplan has been prepared that sets out a long-term strategy for the redevelopment of the Charleston Academy campus and the eventual replacement of all of the existing buildings. The masterplan is based on a new school building that can be constructed in a phased manner and take account of the school roll forecasts for the years ahead. The plan also incorporates the adjacent Community Complex and Kinmylies Primary School, ensuring a cohesive approach to local education and community facilities.
We approved a revised capital programme in December 2021 that includes an increased budget of £16 million for the first phase of the redevelopment. This will comprise a new classroom block that can be extended in the future as required and some refurbishment of the main building.
Morrison Construction have been appointed as the design and build contractor, working closely with our in-house Property teams to deliver the project.
Completed improvements
Several upgrades have already been completed:
- 2018: refurbishment of pupil toilet facilities in the main building
- November 2020: enhancements to the Community Complex, including:
- upgraded changing facilities
- new accessible toilet and shower
- hardwood flooring in the games hall
- refurbished gym store
- fire safety improvements
Next steps
Additional funding has been approved for the re-roofing of the main building, which will be carried out in phases over the coming years, ensuring the campus remains safe, efficient, and fit for purpose.
Stakeholder group
A Stakeholder group has been established, and the initial meeting took place in April 2021.
Charleston Academy stakeholder group minutes
Latest update - final pre-planning application event
An online public consultation event was held at 6pm on Tuesday 13 June 2023.
Following feedback from our initial public engagement events, we reviewed all comments received and made key adjustments to the plans. Two main concerns were raised:
- loss of amenity green space to the south of the site
- car parking numbers in the same area
In response, the project team revisited the design and implemented the following improvements:
- footprint of the building has been reduced to minimise impact on surrounding space
- community green space has been increased by over 3 times the area shown in the original consultation
- existing playground has been retained, and the basketball court will be replaced
- car parking numbers have been assessed, confirming that fewer spaces are needed than initially anticipated