WORCESTER Sixth Form College is set for a major extension.
A planning application has been approved by Worcester City Council that includes demolishing an existing single-storey building and constructing a four-storey extension within the college’s central courtyard.
The development aims improve facilities at the college, which currently serves around 1,800 students, while also fitting in with a planned increase in student numbers.
The new extension will provide six classrooms, improved catering facilities, additional social space, and expanded toilet provision.
It is designed to support a planned increase in student numbers and improve the overall learning environment.
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The extension will be built largely over the footprint of the demolished structure, with a modest 4m extension compared with the existing building line.
It has been designed to minimise disruption to college operations and will retain the central courtyard tree, which is considered an important landscape feature.
The college, built in the 1960s, has undergone several extensions and alterations over the years.
The new development forms part of a wider estate strategy to modernise the campus and improve its long-term sustainability.
The design includes a robust base and upper floors that maximise natural daylight and ventilation.
Sustainable features include a fabric-first approach, heat recovery units, and low-flow fittings to reduce water use.
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The extension will also improve circulation within the building and create more flexible ground floor space.
The application is supported by a range of technical documents, including an Arboricultural Impact Assessment, Energy Statement, Flood Risk Assessment, and Travel Plan.
The Arboricultural Impact Assessment confirms that the courtyard tree is in good condition and will be protected during construction, while the site is not considered at risk of flooding.
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The campus is set back from the road and includes a mix of academic buildings, sports facilities, and green spaces. The proposed extension is located within the central part of the site, away from residential boundaries and screened by existing buildings.
No changes are proposed to external access, parking, or servicing arrangements and the development is not expected to result in a significant increase in traffic.
The submitted Travel Plan outlines measures to promote sustainable travel and reduce reliance on private cars.
