AHR architects appointed to design new Cheltenham school

The new secondary school forms part of the overall £100 million investment by the county council into local schools. AHR architects were appointed by the lead contractor Kier Construction after consulting with the county council.

With the lead contractor and architects in place, the project can now start moving towards the next phase which is a formal planning application, due to be submitted in the Summer of 2019. The new secondary school is due to open in September 2021.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, cabinet member for economy, skills and growth, said: “This is a major step forward in delivering a brand new high quality secondary school for Cheltenham and ensuring much needed school places are created.  This will be a key step in continuing to guarantee excellent schooling in this county – and a crucial part of our £100m investment into schools.”

Gary Overton, Director at AHR Architects said “We are delighted to be appointed as Architects for this exciting project, a wonderful opportunity to support Gloucestershire County Council and Balcarras Academy Trust, shape the future of education for young people in the region. We are looking forward to working with the assembled stakeholders and the wider community to develop an inspirational learning campus.”

Iain Dobie, County Councillor representing Leckhampton and Warden Hill, added ““As a governor for both of the local primary schools, I have long been aware of the need for a new secondary in South Cheltenham to serve the local community and it is great that we have now appointed architects to help progress this new school project.”

Dominic Burke, Headteacher at Balcarras School said ” We are absolutely delighted with the appointment of AHR. It was an incredibly strong field we had to choose from and a very difficult decision. I am confident that we have a great team of architects in place and I'm very excited that we can now move on to the design stage.” 

Initially, the new school will open to new Year 7 students – and the school is expected to grow year by year as the new intake of children enrol.

For more information on all of our school capital project please visit our webpage: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schoolprojects