Plans to give Cowley Academy gym a healthy makeover

A school wants to give its gymnasium a healthy makeover.

Donington’s Cowley Academy has submitted plans to carry out work to the 20th century structure, which it says will not impact its Grade II-listed old school building that dates back to 1719.

Proposals include creating a new fitness suite, one-to-one meeting room and an improved office.

Plans also show a new access ramp and fire door, as well as enclosing the existing covered space with new entrance doors to form a new waiting room area.

“Although the proposed works do not materially affect the Grade II-listed old school building as it was originally built, the client is keen to ensure that works are undertaken in a manner such that they have no impact on the wider site as a heritage asset in Donington,” the heritage impact statement prepared by agent Evans McDowall Architects says.

“Our approach for the proposed works is intended to improve the usability and accessibility of the proposed development area while having no impact on the original old school building.

The gym - which is connected to the old school building via a corridor - is a two-storey, red brick building.

It was purpose built for physical education and has since been extended to provide an additional office space at ground floor.

Existing vehicular access and parking plans remain unaffected in the plans.

The proposed ramp would replace steps and enable access for all ambulant and wheelchair users.