Faith schools set to unite on single site

Dec 15 2008 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

PLANS are being drawn up to move two Northumberland faith schools on to a derelict site in Alnwick town centre. Applications are being prepared which would see both St John’s Roman Catholic (RC) First and Thomas Percy RC Middle schools relocating to the former St Oswald’s site next to the town’s Tenantry Column.

The proposal, a joint venture between the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, who run the two RC schools, and the Duke of Northumberland’s estates, would involve an extensive programme of refurbishment and redevelopment of the St Oswald’s site, financed by the sale of the two schools.

Subject to planning, Northumberland Estates would purchase the two sites, with the proceeds from the deal used by the diocese to fund the modernisation of St Oswald’s.

The estates would then look to develop the St John’s and Thomas Percy sites for residential use in the future.

The development would mean the schools could benefit from more accessible and much improved education facilities.

The nature of their existing sites has recently posed problems in attempting to bring the old buildings up to modern standards.

The St Oswald’s site, formerly a convent school and on a main road into Alnwick, has been vacant for a number of years and has recently begun to be the target for vandalism.

Harry O’Neill, director of education for the RC diocese, said: “Moving the first and middle schools to one site would bring together staff with experience across all ages and abilities, and encourage collaboration and sharing of knowledge and experiences.

“Not only that, but the site is much better suited to the needs of both staff and pupils.

“The proposed refurbishment would see better and more modern educational facilities for the children, more space and would also allow us to offer improved provision for those children with disabilities and special needs.”

Colin Barnes, director of planning at the estates, said: “This is a great opportunity to improve educational facilities in Alnwick.

“Not only is the site more accessible, it is much better suited to the needs of the children.

“We also see the development of the St John’s and Thomas Percy sites as an exciting project for Alnwick and are keen to include some self-build plots, together with affordable housing off-site at a location known as Willoughby’s Bank.

“These potential housing projects provide a useful means of getting a foot on the housing ladder.

“The school developments would be on the previously developed land, leaving the majority of school playing fields as existing.”