Work is underway to create additional spots at a suburban high school that is overbooked due to housing developments in the area.
A new self-contained three-story teaching block is being built at Ormiston Victory Academy on Middleton Crescent in Costessey, which will allow the school to teach 300 additional 11-16 year olds and increase its capacity to 1,500.
The Ormiston Victory Academy in Costessey is oversubscribed.
– Credit: Archant © 2013
The £ 8.1 million expansion of the school, operated by the Ormiston Academies Trust, is a response to growing demand for space and will include 14 additional classrooms as well as renovations to the existing buildings.
Parents have previously expressed frustration that children from the area and surrounding villages and communities like Easton cannot get a place in school despite living nearby.
Many have to travel long distances, including to Norwich, to attend schools that are not their first choice.
John Fisher, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services.
– Credit: Norfolk County Council
John Fisher, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Secretary for Children’s Services, said: “It is great to see this construction project underway. It will bring much-needed school places to the region and support many generations of Costessey children.
You may also want to see:
“As the council, we are investing millions of pounds in developing school places in growing communities so that children have access to quality education near where they live.”
Artist’s impression of the new block at the Ormiston Victory Academy on Middleton Crescent, Costessey.
– Credit: Norfolk County Council
Planning permission for the new building was granted earlier this year after road improvements were announced to allay concerns about the impact of the additional traffic.
The highway authority said additional double yellow lines should be painted, mainly around the intersections of Richmond Road, with an improved intersection on Richmond Road.
Pentaco Construction was selected to carry out the work, one of eight projects to expand existing schools or build new ones in the county.
The work is expected to be completed by October 2022.
Costessey Councilor Sharon Blundell.
– Credit: COSTESSEY TOWN COUNCIL
Sharon Blundell, Costessey District Councilor, said, “I am delighted that the Ormiston Victory Academy is finally expanding as it is badly needed in the area due to additional housing development over the years.
“It will also bring much-needed improvements to the Richmond Road area and provide a safer area for students.
“I hope the staff and students enjoy the new improvements.”