The Leagrave Centre SEN Phase 2

Luton Borough Council, in conjunction with Lady Zia Wernher School, is proposing to expand the School, with work expected to start on site Feb 2024 and be completed by September 2024 The work is to be carried out in one single phase, all is referred to as Phase Two. (Phase One has previously been completed) Phase Two – Refurbishment of the existing phase 2 buildings internal reconfiguration, refurbishment and redecoration, construction of extensions to create classrooms, specialist activity rooms, hydrotherapy room and ancillary spaces along with new extended main entrance lobby with additional new carpark, drop off & play areas. (As detailed on drawings) Luton Borough Council Educational Estates Team is funding the works and the organisation also holds the freehold of the site. Increasing demand for specialist SEN places is currently a national issue. The position in Luton mirrors that and Luton Borough Council gives careful consideration as to how to expand Luton schools to meet this demand. Luton is a compact urban authority and there are few sites suitable for providing additional school places. The Leagrave Centre dates from approximately the 1950s and was constructed as an educational centre. In recent years it has been used as an educational and conference venue along with offices for the educational service. The site has not seen additions to the original buildings but has been modernized and is well maintained. This proposal is to provide within the SEN unit various specialist facilities for children with specific learning needs. It is intended that this will be achieved through the refurbishment of the existing southern wing and hall area with minimal intervention to a small number of adjacent spaces. The GIFA of the existing building is circa 1797.29 sqm with the areas in question being 589.21sqm.