Community News
On Thursday the 9th of June a meeting of parents and community representatives met to hear about the proposals for the new school building that will be erected on the North Site of the Academy. John Thornberry, from Norfolk Property Services gave a presentation on how the process of the new build would proceed from this point. As yet the contractors and architects for the new build have not been selected and he explained that process. The audience looked at some of the work that the students had done towards the project (see photos below) and shared the thoughts of the two staff meetings that have been held to discuss the building.
It is clear that with an eighteen million pound budget to get the best for the students we will have to be careful with the money and look to make savings in the build where ever possible. The current North Site buildings will also be re-furbished and form the ‘lower school’ part of the building for the younger Academy students. In the audience were representatives from local community groups and sports clubs who were interested in the community potential of the new building. A new sports hall, multi-use sports pitches and an all weather pitch are in the plans. The new building will be for Thetford’s use as well as for the use of the students. Also in the plans is a dance studio to complement the work of our already high quality drama department.
Local councillors were present including Thetford’s Mayor Councillor Derek Mortimer who asked about the parental and public consultation that would continue after this meeting. It was made clear that there will be further consultation where parents and members of the public will be able to give their views about the project before building commences. Everyone felt that this was an exciting project and one that could benefit not just the young people of Thetford at the Academy but one that could benefit the community as a whole.
