Academy and leisure centre given the go ahead in North Kensington

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has given the green light to plans for a new academy and leisure centre in North Kensington.

Some £57.8 million will be invested in the scheme altogether, comprising £40.2 million from the council and £17.6 million from the government.

The Leadbitter Group will build both the Kensington Aldridge Academy and Kensington Leisure Centre off Silchester Road near Latimer Road station and a phased construction programme will begin next month.

Both buildings will open in September 2014, with the academy taking its first term of Year 7 pupils.

At the moment more than 30 per cent of youngsters living in Kensington and Chelsea have to travel outside the borough for secondary education.

Furthermore it is expected that by 2018 there will be 1,200 more secondary school age pupils living in the borough, which means the new establishment will provide some much need school places while also boosting the appeal of property to rent in Kensington and Chelsea.

Also included as part of the redevelopment programme are an enhanced children's park, an improved Lancaster Green and a number of new homes for sale.

Sir Merrick Cockell, leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said the announcement represents the council's ongoing commitment to investing in great facilities for local residents.

"Despite the challenging economic climate we are proud to be able to build a new academy and leisure centre which are going to make a vital contribution to local life for decades to come."

Sir Rod Aldridge, chairman of the academy's lead sponsor the Aldridge Foundation, added: "This is a big step towards opening a great new academy which will deliver high standards of education for local children, building on success already achieved in neighbouring primary schools.

"The Kensington Aldridge Academy will be an environment where learning and entrepreneurial attitudes are valued, and will bring real benefits for its students and the local community."

Posted by Ben Carter
 

Published 30th September, 2012

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