Boys to get a £37m new school

1:16pm Thursday 19th June 2008

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A PLAN to demolish and rebuild a secondary school in Beckenham costing in the region of £37m has been given the go-ahead.

Langley Park School for Boys, Hawksbrook Lane, will be rebuilt to include a 600-seat performance space, a nine-court indoor sports hall, an air training corps block and an all-weather pitch and playing field.

The plan, which was approved by Bromley Council, also includes improved vehicle and pedestrian access.

The performance space will be able to accommodate a full symphony orchestra and choir and will include storage and practice rooms.

It will also be available to the Bromley Youth Music Trust as well as the wider community for rehearsals and performance.

The school's headteacher, Rob Northcott, said: "I'm very pleased, I think it was a good decision.

"The current building in many aspects is not fit for purpose.

"It was designed in 1969 for 750 students and we now have 1,635.

"Our staff room was built for 50 people and we now have 117 staff.

"The benefits of the new school will be enormous."

Principal of Bromley Youth Music Trust, Mike Purton, said: "The new performance space which will give Bromley a performance venue almost unequal around London.

"We would wish to use it for a number of concerts and we would also take two orchestras there on a Saturday morning to release space at our centre in Southborough Lane, Petts Wood to start more classes aimed at younger children."

Bromley Council portfolio holder for children and young people, Councillor Ernest Noad, said: "This scheme will create a building fit for the 21st Century for one of our highest achieving secondary schools in the borough and nationally.

"This is a unique opportunity to rejuvenate a school in poor physical condition.

"The enhanced performance space which is part of the project will benefit our community and enhance the provision of music in the borough through the Bromley Youth Music Trust."

It is hoped preparation work on the site will begin in August this year with the main school opening in September 2010.