Plans to rejuvenate 'tired' Gosport junior school with £7m new building

Plans have been published for a £7m regeneration of Grange Junior School in Gosport, and will replace the 1960s school building.

As well as a new home, the school will benefit from two netball courts, cycle and scooter storage and additional staff parking, creating a one-way system from Franklin Road to Grange Lane.

Headteacher Kay Sadler hopes that the new building will give pupils at the school an inspirational boost, especially given how they helped develop the plans.

She said: ‘We can use the new building as an opportunity to enhance their learning experience – and they have been involved in the whole process.

‘They even had their own meeting with the county council, explaining what was important to them.

‘This is a project that belongs as much to the students as it does to us.’

The £7m funding has come directly from Hampshire County Council, which wants to redevelop the school.

According to the head, the project has been in the works for a few years.

‘We’re pleased that this is finally taking shape,’ she said. ‘We have worked on getting the new building project off the ground for a few years – the school is starting to look a bit tired so was in need of a refresh.’

Councillor Stephen Philpott, ward councillor for Peel Common, is optimistic about the prospect of a new school building.

He said: ‘I am sure some people will consider £7m on a new school building to be a lot of money, but the county council has had to weigh up whether it is worth spending a substantial amount on a 55-year-old building which is probably past its sell-by date.

‘I would encourage parents and residents to take a look at the plans. I am sure they will be extremely pleased with what’s being proposed.’

The consultation period runs until July 3.

HCC Property Services says a planning application should be submitted this year, with the goal of starting building work next summer.

The current site won’t be demolished until the new building is completed.