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New gym block planned for York school

Archbishop Holgate's School. Photograph © Google Street View
@ Education

A new gym block could be built at a York secondary school.

A planning application outlines proposals to demolish an existing fitness studio – between the new English block and the sports hall and swimming pool building – at Archbishop Holgate’s School.

A fitness suite of a similar size would be built in its place. The existing block dates back to 1985 and is in poor condition.

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The new block would be a modular block made by Portakabin. The application – submitted in early March – says:

  • As part of the detailed design process the proposals have considered this area as a gateway to the school and the new building hopes to lift the aesthetics of the student entrance way.

    The proposed design not only tackles the urgent condition related need for the fitness suite but also provides additional changing facilities for pupil and staff.

How the new block would look. Image: planning documents

The report says work could take place while the school is open.

In October 2019, City of York Council put £4.4m funding towards building a separate new block of classrooms at the school – to help meet rising pupil numbers. The council wants the school to increase year groups from 240 to 300 pupils.