Plans announced to rebuild 'derelict' school

Plans to rebuild a school that was evacuated due to structural problems have been submitted.

Documents on behalf of the Department for Education were sent to South Derbyshire District Council to demolish and create a new building for Mercia Academy in Newhall, Derbyshire.

The scheme for the school – formerly known as William Allitt Academy – would also replace the neighbouring Newhall Junior School, both institutions being part of Lionheart Educational Trust.

Mercia Academy had to be evacuated in November 2023 when structural issues were identified, with its 588 pupils taught at other locations for months.

Councillors, officials and residents have been calling for the "effectively condemned" school to be replaced, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

In September last year a temporary school made out of 130 flat-pack modules was opened, with the former school now "vacant and derelict".

According to the plans, the secondary school would retain its 750-pupil capacity and 66 full-time equivalent staff, while the junior school will go from 356 to 360 pupils and 43 to 51 staff.

A report said the demolition of the secondary school was due to start later this month and be finished in September.

Construction of the new-build would start in September and be complete by January 2027.

The demolition of the junior school would start in September and finish in November, with work due to finish in November 2026.

"The redevelopment of Mercia Academy and Newhall Junior School delivers much-needed educational and community benefits, setting a benchmark for modern school design," an application document said.

"The project represents an essential step towards securing a sustainable, high-quality educational future for the region."

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