Layout of Grantham College’s £52 million masterplan approved

The layout in the masterplan for Grantham College’s £52 million redevelopment was approved by South Kesteven District Council on Tuesday.

Grantham College plans to consolidate its nine current sites into three extensively redeveloped sites at the main campus, the Barracks and Stonebridge House.

SKDC’s development control committee approved an outline application to demolish existing buildings and redevelop the three sites, and gave listed building consent to demolish modern buildings and extensions attached to the Grade II listed Stonebridge House on the former police station site.

The plans are for the demolition of all of the current college buildings on the main campus over the next 20 years, apart from Elsham House which will remain as a focal point. There will also be a relocated glazed reception looking out onto the river, facilities for hospitality and catering, hair and beauty, and an internet cafe open to the public.

A new refectory, and buildings for sports and public services, visual performing arts and engineering are also part of the plans. A larger car park will be built to the east of the main campus, which combined with additional parking at Stonebridge House and the Barracks will result in 302 spaces as opposed to the current 183.

The Barracks campus will continue to be the location of the construction department, but in new and improved buildings.

Linda Houtby, Grantham College’s principal and chief executive, said: ‘The college is clearly delighted that SKDC and the council have shown their support for the college’s proposals. Particular thanks to Coun Frances Cartwright who spoke on the college’s behalf at the planning committee outlining the college’s economic impact on the town both now and in the future.”

During the meeting, portfolio holder for the grow the economy, Coun Cartwright, stated that such a development ‘can enhance the aspirations of young people’ and highlighted that it would expand upon the college’s provision of a skilled workforce to local businesses.

After presenting the proposals to the committee, SKDC planning officer Nigel Bryan said: “There are clear economic benefits in the regenration of the site, with a wider number of courses available as well as shorter term benefits through construction.”

The approval of these two applications enables the college to secure £2.28 million of funding from the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership. This is to go towards the creation of a business, technology, IT, media and music centre at the Stonebridge House site, which they hope to complete by the end of 2016.

It is envisaged that it will take up to 15 years to acquire all the necessary funding for the entire redevelopment, with the building work to take place in phases as and when funds are secured.

The scale, appearance, access and landscaping currently remain as reserved matters to be submitted in another application by architects RG+P Ltd next month.