Option 4: Build an entirely new school on site on the Land East of Biggleswade
What this option involves
This option would build a completely new, purpose-built school on a new site that would be accessed from Baden Powell Way. It would replace the current Ivel Valley School on Hitchmead Road.
The site is currently farmland. All new access and infrastructure would be put in place to service and access it. The site is adjacent to land that has outline planning consent for 1,500 homes on a site referred to as the East of Biggleswade Garden Community.
The option is for an entirely new build school on one site. It would include all the facilities required and to the required standards.
The following image is a draft and subject to change, but it indicates how the new school could be set out:
Cost: £66 million
When we expect the first pupils to be in new classrooms: Not determined yet, but reasonable to assume Winter 2028/29
Estimated completion of all works: Summer 2029
Pros
- least disruptive to children and staff, as the build is on a completely separate site
- all facilities will be built to the BB104 standard without any need to work around existing building constraints
- being away from any existing development gives more flexibility as there is nothing in the area (e.g. roads, houses etc) to fit around
Cons
- highest cost of all options – reducing funding available for other required SEND places; site-specific issues (e.g. changing levels across the site, no existing infrastructure e.g. roads, access bridge, drainage) increase the cost of this option
- full funding currently not in place; the cost of any additional borrowing would likely require cost-saving/service level reduction elsewhere within council services
- location is currently isolated until new housing is built
- longer delivery time
Additional information
None.