NJL Consulting, on behalf of Fylde Coast Academy Trust (FCAT) and Conlon Construction, gained a resolution this week to grant planning permission from Blackpool Planning Committee for a new academy school within Blackpool. The Armfield Academy will provide facilities for up to 1,280 pupils in nursery, primary and secondary education (ages 2-16 years).
NJL managed the submission of the application, liaising closely with co-consultants and have engaged proactively with Blackpool Council throughout the determination of the application, to ensure a favourable scheme can be brought forward.
FCAT is due to open for the September 2018 intake and Conlon Construction will be on hand to deliver high-quality work within the time provided.
There have been significant technical matters which have been dealt with during the determination period, including liaison with Sport England to ensure that the playing fields and sports facilities are protected and improved, with the additional benefit of community use. There were also detailed discussions with the Council’s conservation team to consider the best possible solution to regeneration of the locally listed buildings, as well as the Council’s Environmental Protection team in seeking to ensure that disruption to local residents is avoided.
As well as addressing the aspirations of the council and the local community, the scheme also meets the future needs of Fylde Coast Academy Trust and will ensure a high-quality learning environment, which will enhance the educational offer within Blackpool.
Wendy Middlemas, Project Manager for FCAT, said:
“The new school has been named after Jimmy Armfield in the hope that it will be a fitting tribute to such a well-known local sportsman, a respected member of the Blackpool community and act as an inspiration to future pupils. Through the delivery of the Armfield Academy, FCAT hopes to significantly address the low academic achievement within some areas of Blackpool by ensuring rigorous monitoring and accountability measures, thereby raising academic standards.”
Katie Delaney of NJL Consulting, added:
“FCAT have an ambitious target to open the Armfield Academy quickly, with its first intake of pupils in September next year. As such, we’re pleased to have delivered the planning permission allowing the refurbishment and new build works to begin without delay.”
The contractor is Conlon Construction. Images provided by Lovelock Mitchell Architects.
