On behalf of Willmott Dixon and the Department for Education, DPP have secured Full Planning Permission for the re-development of Durham Academy at Ushaw Moor.
Durham Academy is a key educational hub for the Ushaw Moor and Durham catchment area and provides high quality secondary education to a wide range of pupils. Designed by SPACE Architects, the redevelopment involves the demolition of two buildings that were constructed in the 1960s, and construction of a new purpose-built school building with extensive landscaping works designed by Oobe. The development includes provision of additional outdoor social and recreation space and the reconfiguration of parking.
The site is constrained by Green Belt and Playing Fields, requiring the project team to undertake detailed pre-application discussions with the Council regarding the position and design of the new building, whilst retaining the buildings in use for teaching during the construction period. This innovative project is designed to be net zero carbon in operation. This is a significant improvement on the current buildings which present environmental challenges due to their age and layout.
The development, which was unanimously by Members of Durham Planning Committee, benefits the school, pupils and local community, improving educational facilities and provides a modern, environmentally friendly building that will support the longer-term aspirations of the school.
Speaking about the approval, Laura Chandler, Principal Planner at DPP said:
The re-development of Durham Academy and provision of a modern, energy efficient building and wider learning environment supports high quality education and investment in the local community. I’m delighted to see this exciting project progress with works due to commence on site shortly.
Images: Space Architects
