ONE of the city’s biggest primary schools is set to be rebuilt after its building was labelled “unsafe” by its headteacher.

A new three-storey block at Valentine Primary School, on Valentine Avenue, Sholing, will be built to create a hall, kitchen and around 16 classrooms.

Headteacher Liz Filer said the main building was “no longer fit for purpose” with major problems including damp and unsafe windows.

 

Valentine Infants and Heathfield Junior schools merged in 2014 to become Valentine Primary School.

One building, which used to house Heathfield Junior School before the merger, will be demolished when the new building is erected.

Despite the renovation, some residents feel the plan could impact on traffic and parking, with more teachers and pupils using the school.

Ms Filer told the Daily Echo: “This is an extremely important for the children because the current building is not fit for its purpose.

“The windows are damaged and not safe...we have had to install extra safety precautions to combat this.

“The old building is very difficult to maintain. We’re really excited about this project. The parking situation will be no different to as it is now. There will not be any more teachers or pupils, so it will remain the same.”

 

Ms Filer said the project was mainly funded by a branch of the Department of Education, so she is unsure how much the project will cost.

She added that work should begin before Christmas and be completed by summer 2019.

Developers Blue Sky Architects believe the new building will “provide valuable social and economic benefits for the local community and enhance the surrounding area.”

Within the application, which has been approved by Southampton City Council, Blue Sky say: “The proposed school will deliver clear, positive outcomes for Southampton City Council, providing valuable social and economic benefits for the local community and enhancing the surrounding area.”

A spokesperson for Blue Sky added that it believed work on the new school would begin in the new year but it was unsure how much the project would cost or how long it would take to complete.

In a monitoring inspection, Ofsted rated the school as ‘Requires Improvement’.

Since the merger, Valentine Avenue resident Peter Pancaldi said parking had become “diabolical”.

He added: “The development itself seems OK but my objection is because of the parking problem which desperately needs to be sorted out.”

Gillian Gillette, who lives on the same street, agreed, saying: “My main concern is the impact on traffic/parking. It is currently very difficult to get in or out of my house as cars are parked either side and behind my driveway.”