Ormiston Sudbury Academy unveils first look at major rebuild proposals as public consultation begins

Plans for a major rebuild of Sudbury’s secondary school have been revealed, with the public invited to have their say, before the scheme is submitted for planning approval.

Ormiston Sudbury Academy (OSA) will host a public consultation event next Tuesday, to discuss the proposed redevelopment – including a new school building to replace the current facilities.

The scheme proposes the demolition of existing school buildings in Tudor Road – including The Curve Arts Centre, the Keyes building, the sports facility, and the design and technology block.

In its place, a brand new, larger school building would be constructed, alongside a replacement sports block, a new multi-use games area (MUGA), and expanded parking and recreational space.

These new facilities would partly overlap with the current school footprint, while the existing on-site vocational centre would be retained.

Chartered surveyors Dobson Grey, which produced the proposals in partnership with OSA, confirmed that the initial designs may change, prior to the formal planning application.

“The proposed redevelopment is intended to support the school in achieving an improved environment, that helps to support its mission statement,” their statement reads.

“The redevelopment project involves the demolition of the existing main school buildings, and their replacement with a single, larger school building.

“These would be designed to optimise the teaching layout, and meet the latest standards of energy efficiency.

“The phasing plan for the construction works will seek to minimise the impact on the operation of the school, which will remain open throughout the project.”

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to view and comment on the project, at the public meeting taking place at OSA on Tuesday, November 26, from 3.15pm to 7pm.

It comes after the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme identified OSA as requiring redevelopment, due to the ‘poor physical condition’ of the current buildings.

The school temporarily mothballed its sixth-form provision back in 2021, citing the need for investment into its infrastructure.

Subsequently, the rebuild project secured funding in 2022 from the Department for Education, which also appointed experienced school developer Bowmer + Kirkland to carry out construction.

For anybody unable to attend the public consultation event next week, the proposals are available to view online at www.ormistonsudburyacademy.com.

Feedback on the concept designs can be submitted at this site, which will help to inform the final plans that go before Babergh District Council.