Norwich: Firside Junior School to be demolished and replaced

Hellesdon's Firside Junior School, which is run by the Wensum Trust, has been identified as in need of improvements by the Department for Education's School Rebuilding Programme. 

Firside Junior School (Image: Newsquest)

The proposals, which were initially revealed last year, have been re-submitted to Broadland District Council following a public consultation and presentation to Hellesdon Parish Council.

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If approved, children would continue to learn in the current building while a brand new structure goes up on part of its playing field.

This new-build will be a part-single and part two-storey flat roof site, featuring an assembly and dining hall and new teaching and staff facilities. 

Roz Robinson, headteacher at Firside (Image: Newsquest)

Plans would include the construction of a multi-use games area, drop-off and pick up zone from Middleton's Lane and a new playing field. 

Some 44 standard car parking spaces would also be facilitated, alongside three disabled and two minibus spots. 

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Once the new site is complete, the existing school building - which has stood in Middletons Lane since 1937 - will be demolished.

Firside currently has a capacity of 358 pupils and 44 staff members, and the proposed development will not see any changes made to these numbers.

Roz Robinson, headteacher at Firside, previously told the Evening News: "This is an exciting time for all the staff and children in our school community.

Plans for the works at the school (Image: Broadland District Council)

"The new building will give our staff the modern and appropriate space they need to teach and where the children can thrive."

The cost of the rebuild is due to be provided by the Department for Education, with a planning application due to be submitted in due course.