23 June 2016
A planning application has been submitted today (23 June 2016) for a new Les Quennevais secondary school on the fields north of St Brelade’s Social Club alongside Route de Quennevais.
Architects at Jersey Property Holdings have designed the £40 million project with the school situated along the south of the site and the playing fields to the north so that an open vista is retained.
The site was the preferred option of 67% of people who responded to a public consultation in autumn 2015. Other proposals to use the Les Quennevais playing fields and St Brelade Social Club were not supported by the majority of local residents who took part in the poll.
Education Minister, Deputy Rod Bryans, said "The current Les Quennevais School buildings have served the island well but are now too small, outdated and not on the right site. Children in the west of the Island should have the same educational experience as their friends at other schools so this is well overdue. It will be the single largest investment in education for many years and I am delighted to see it moving forward."
Like its predecessor, the new Les Quennevais the Island’s dedicated school for children with additional physical needs. It has been designed around a central street that provides circulation and social space, together with enhanced facilities for wheelchair users. It will also contain the Branch Library, for use by the public, extensive landscaping and links to the cycle track.
Infrastructure Minister, Deputy Eddie Noel, said "Our architects, who have a lot of experience in delivering school facilities, have produced a really interesting design which delivers the functionality of a modern educational establishment together with a stylish design."
The planning application is supported by extensive environmental impact assessments, including ecology and archaeological studies, geotechnical surveys and an independent traffic and transportation plan. This project supports the Council of Ministers’ strategic priorities in the two key areas of education and economic growth.
It will be subject to the usual planning process but there will also be a number of events organised by Jersey Property Holdings and the Education Department to inform the public about the proposals and answer questions. These will include a residents’ meeting, parents’ presentation, a public meeting, ongoing static displays and meeting with interest groups.
The estimated build time for the project is two years from receipt of planning permission.
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