Plans to convert historic building into school submitted to Sheffield City Council
The plans focus on preserving the historical features of the building
A historic Sheffield landmark could become a school for people with special educational needs.
The proposals suggest converting Hillsborough Barracks on Langsett Road into an educational facility for Kingfisher Academy for approximately 40 pupils and eight members of staff.
It would bring new use to the gatehouse building of the Grade II-listed former Officers’ Mess, which was most recently adapted into office space which has been left vacant.
.jpeg?trim=40,0,40,0&crop=&width=640&quality=65)
A design and access statement submitted to the council adds: “The principal design objective has been to secure the long-term viable use of a historically significant building whilst providing a high-quality specialist educational environment.
“The proposal adopts a ‘minimum intervention’ approach whereby the existing structure is retained and adapted through sensitive internal alterations.
“Existing architectural features are preserved wherever practicable, and alterations have been carefully designed to minimise intervention within the historic fabric.”
Plans also explain how the academy would use local sport halls, parks and community facilities for outdoor recreation, making use of existing infrastructure while removing the need to change the layout of the building.
Internally, the school would include classrooms, a sensory learning space, art studio, textiles room and food preparation areas, with plans adding that these facilities have been “carefully designed to retain significant historic features wherever possible” while still meeting the needs’ of pupils.
Developers hope that the plans will help deliver much-needed places for young people with additional learning needs, while fitting into the surrounding area alongside shops, businesses and housing.
“The proposal has been developed in response to an identified educational need within Sheffield,” the design statement continues.
“The requirement for additional specialist educational accommodation has arisen at the request of Sheffield City Council, reflecting increasing demand for specialist placements and the need to expand local educational capacity.
“The development will assist the local authority in meeting its statutory responsibilities under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, which requires suitable education to be provided for children who are unable to attend school because of illness or other medical reasons.
“Consequently, the proposal will deliver significant public benefits by increasing the availability of specialist educational provision within the city whilst enabling pupils to receive education in an environment specifically designed to meet their individual needs.”