Basingstoke School gets go-ahead for £1m Swimming Pool Renovations
Cranbourne school pool is widely used by the local community.
Cranbourne School in Basingstoke has been trying to get planning permission for years and finally their environmentally-friendly Sports Centre has got the go-ahead.
Based on the principles of sustainability, the renovated Sports Centre has been designed by German architect, Jeurgen Koch and reflects his passion for designing green, sustainable and climate responsive structures.
Renovation
Cranbourne’s existing 20m indoor pool has been on-site since the school was built 50 years, and remains an important part of the school and community, as Cranbourne is still the only secondary school in Basingstoke that offers an indoor swimming pool facility.
The last renovation of the swimming pool building was in the 1970s when a new aluminium and perspex roof replaced the original roof material. Since 2004, the staff and governors at Cranbourne School have been working hard to consider options on how to replace and update aspects of the structure whilst keeping to the overall objective of how to save on the substantial yearly energy bill.
Green Roof System
Working closely with the architect, Jeurgen Koch was able to achieve the brief by designing a refurnished Sports Centre that will be made from a sustainable timber frame and complemented by a contemporary glass structure.
The proposed changing rooms will feature a “green roof system” in the form of an attractive live sedum lawn roof, which not only helps cut high energy costs, but will have a positive environmental impact as the grass and wild flower roof will attract wildlife and improve air quality.
The planning permission also includes a new indoor waiting area for visitors, extra storage and an outdoor seating area so that the building serves as an inviting recreational destination for both students and visitors.
Funding
Cranbourne School are now applying for grants and funds to be able to start the project and look forward to announcing a start date of the renovated Sports Centre building early in 2021. The forecasted building renovation is estimated for completion in September 2021.
Headteacher of Cranbourne School, Mrs Jane Aplin said:
“This is a very important facility for Cranbourne School and the whole community. The renovation of this much loved swimming pool will secure a local pool for the next generation of water babies, school children, triathletes, water polo players, divers and adult swimmers. We have had great support from Basingstoke and Deane Council and our amazing German Architect, Jeurgen Koch"