Consultancy Cassidy + Ashton granted planning consent for £750,000 expansion and alteration of a primary school and new chapel near Hurst Green in the Ribble Valley.
Commissioned by the Society of Jesus Trust, a new chapel is to be created in the upper storey of the existing fine stone building, with an additional classroom created on the footprint of the old chapel, by the addition a 170m2 two-storey extension to St Joseph’s RC Primary School.
The renovation will provide additional space, maintaining the existing capacity but providing improved pastoral facilities and multi-purpose dining/teaching space for use by both the school and parish.
A new entrance complete with staircase and lift will also offer greater accessibility to a new chapel within the school’s existing premises.
Michael Hartley, director at Cassidy + Ashton, said: “This commission follows our recent successful refurbishment for The Society of Jesus Trust, which saw St Peter’s Church at Stonyhurst, a Grade I-listed building, restored to its former glory.
“With demand for school places at an all time high, the extension will provide a much-needed space for parishioners and school users to enjoy and further adds to our outstanding portfolio in both the ecclesiastical and education sectors.”
Elizabeth Stevens, head teacher of St Joseph’s school, added: “This is a very exciting development for our school. The additional classroom space will allow us to increase our numbers and offer an outstanding learning environment for our children. We are very grateful to our Trustees for their continuing support for St Joseph’s.”
Building work is expected to start in July and complete by Easter 2016.
