The new temporary administration block is in position and operational and the dining hall has been moved from its previous location increasing the amount of playground space on the top playground. We have also walked around the site and identified any areas of concern which have been put right by our contractors ExtraSpace Solutions.
The planning permission required ExtraSpace Solutions to meet a number of conditions before they were able to start demolition, and there are a number of conditions that have to be met prior to the occupation of the building. ExtraSpace Solutions have submitted the details to release twelve of the pre-occupation conditions and will continue to work with Islington Planners to get the approval of all the pre-occupation planning conditions agreed before the school opens.
Demolition work on the former Ashmount School site is due to be completed this week, with foundation works starting the week after. Laying the building footings and drainage, along with the steel frame for the new school, are scheduled to be undertaken in June.
We have been planning for a partial handover of the ground floor of the building for September but because the demolition has been held up by unexpected site conditions we recognise that this is becoming increasingly unlikely and as such are putting in place contingency plans for the first term of next year using additional temporary buildings and some necessary site reorganisation so that the school can coexist with the new housing development construction that is due to start shortly. Discussions have already been held with Islington about the necessary planning application for additional temporary classrooms and a planning application for this will shortly be submitted. Alternate contingency plans are also being considered in the unlikely event of problems with the planning application.
A number of parents have requested a meeting to provide an update on the position of the building and we feel that this would be a good idea. Accordingly, I would like to invite you a meeting at school on 21 June at 7pm when representatives from the School, Trust, EFA and ExtraSpace Solutions will be on hand to provide an update on the building.