NJL Consulting have submitted an application on behalf of Conlon Construction Ltd for an all-through school on Lytham Road in Blackpool to be run by Fylde Coast Academy Trust. The school will be named Armfield Academy in honour of Jimmy Armfield, a former pupil of the Arnold School.
The school will provide 1,280 places for pupils ranging from 2 years to 16 years, across a development of 13,715 square metres, plus playing fields and multi-use games areas, over three sites either side of Arnold Avenue. The Academy is proposed at the location of the former Arnold School which occupied the site between 1896 and 2012. Since 2012 the site has been vacant and the application sees it being brought back into use for its previous use.
NJL have managed the submission of the application, and have engaged proactively with Blackpool Council throughout the preparation of the application, to ensure a favourable scheme is submitted. Lovelock Mitchell Architects were the architects on the scheme. As well as addressing the aspirations of the council and the local public, the scheme also meets the future needs of Fylde Coast Academy Trust.
John Hicks – Design Manager of Conlon Construction Ltd, said:
‘The school has been carefully designed to reflect the needs of Fylde Coast Academy Trust, whilst also ensuring an attractive, high-quality scheme which complements the character of the local area. The school will be a positive contribution to the education system within Blackpool, providing excellent facilities within a purpose-built development.’
Charlotte Wynn of NJL Consulting, added:
‘Engagement with Blackpool Council throughout the pre-application process has been very useful and has ensured the most suitable scheme has been submitted. The re-use of the site for education purposes is a fitting tribute to the site’s history and ensures a long -held tradition at Arnold Avenue is not lost, but is brought back and enhanced for future generations.’
