Guildford school to replace "unsafe and obsolete" facilities with new sports centre
New sports hall aims to cater to pupils and community use
A Guildford school has been granted permission to construct a new sports centre to replace its current facilities deemed "unsafe and obsolete."
Kings College School received approval from Guildford Borough Council for the plan to demolish existing sports halls and build a modern facility in their place.
According to planning documents, the current sports facilities have reinforced autoclave aerated concrete (RAAC) roof structures, making them unsafe for continued use.
The new two-storey centre will feature an expanded four-court sports hall, gym, and teaching space.
The school's planning statement noted the upgrade is essential to replace the unsafe and outdated buildings with a high-quality, modern facility.
The facility will serve the school's 566 pupils and be available for wider community use outside school hours.
The roofs of the existing sports halls underwent structural strengthening in December 2023, as a temporary solution designed to last five years, which means a permanent replacement is needed by the end of 2028.
Funding for the new sports hall has been secured from the Department for Education following an application by the Learning Partners Academy Trust.
The school plans to keep providing indoor sports facilities by constructing the new sports hall as a self-contained building, allowing existing facilities to remain operational during construction.
Upon completion, sports activities will transfer to the new building, and the old structures will be demolished.
Guildford Borough Council officers noted in their approval that the new sports centre would enhance facilities and offer beneficial community use.
The proposed building, while functional in design, will fit within the school landscape with appropriate materials, and its use will not harm neighbouring amenities or impact highway safety.