THE designs of a new Hampshire school are set to be unveiled during a pair of public drop-in sessions later this month.

Education bosses have confirmed that the public can come and view the latest designs of the soon to be built Deer Park School, which is scheduled to open in September 2021.

This comes as the new seven form school is part of civic chiefs approved plans to build 980 new homes, sports pitches, open spaces and infrastructure on Uplands Farm Estate, a site owned by Hampshire County Council and identified for future housing development in Eastleigh Borough Council’s Local Plan.

On Thursday March 19 at the Wildern School in Hedge End, and on Tuesday March 24 at Boorley Park Primary School, members of the public can come along to view the designs of the school and there will also be an opportunity to ask questions to the Trust.

Both of these events are available for people to drop-in, and they take place between 5pm and 7pm.

As previously reported, Deer Park School will be built on the site west of Woodhouse Lane and will be the first element to be developed in a bid to provide additional school places before the development of the new housing.

Cllr Roz Chadd, executive member for education and skills at the county council, said: “This much-needed secondary school will fulfil existing demand for school places that have been required across the local area in Hedge End and Botley for some time, providing a brand new, well-equipped school with modern facilities, close to where pupils live.”

The school will have 46 classrooms, special educational needs and disabilities support rooms, a learning resource centre, a drama studio and a dining hall with adjacent kitchen.

Meanwhile, a four-court sports hall, activity studio, changing facilities and staff offices will be built as part of the new sports building.

Once built, the Deer Park School will form part of the Wildern Academy Trust, which will cost £21,266,000 and will be funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and developer contributions.