An eco-friendly secondary school for 1,280 pupils will be built in Erewash under plans given the go-ahead by the borough council.
The multi-million-pound project – featuring grassy rooftops with solar panels – will see Sandiacre’s outdated Friesland School almost completely demolished along with the former Friesland Leisure Centre, which is on the same site.
A brand new net zero campus will host 31 classrooms and teaching areas, along with a drama studio, library, dining hall, sports hall and fitness suite. A replacement main school block will rise to three storeys.
The project follows the closure of the site’s Friesland Leisure Centre. Only three buildings currently on the campus would remain – the science and technology block, the sixth form block and the performing arts block.
An all-weather pitch and multi-use games area will also be kept, along with three football pitches – but the plans include the installation of amphitheatre-type outdoor seating. This is in addition to a fenced recovery garden for pupils who feel they need a quiet space. There will also be a separate “SEND garden” for those with special educational needs.
Cllr Mark Alfrey, who is Erewash’s lead member for environment, said after the planning committee gave the green light: “I am pleased to see the development of Friesland School’s new campus, a transformative development project designed to support both education and sustainability.
“The new facilities will include environmental adaptations such as grass rooftops, solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations.
“A recovery garden and SEND garden will be included to offer an outdoor calming environment. These types of gardens are designed to stimulate the senses and provide ‘hopeful’ places to rest and process emotions.
“Replacing the main school block, the new development will feature a library, dining hall and fitness suite – providing a tremendous boost for the students of Sandiacre.
“Additionally, the upgraded sport facilities will significantly enhance opportunities for wider community engagement – promoting healthier and more active lifestyles from an early age.
“This exciting project underscores a commitment to fostering an inspiring, sustainable and inclusive learning environment for current and future generations.”
