Ely College seeks permission to transform ‘unsafe building’ into state-of-the-art sixth form centre

Ely College is seeking permission to regenerate an “unsafe building” to create a new state-of-the-art sixth form centre, writes Hannah Brown, Local Democracy Reporter.

The plans have been submitted to East Cambridgeshire District Council to refurbish the Needham Tower block, which include making it net zero.

In the plans the Meridian Trust, which runs the college in Downham Road, said the current sixth form provision was not suitable and a new facility was needed.

The trust has received funding to provide new post-16 education facilities and hopes to refurbish and convert Needham Tower.

The school only uses the ground and first floor of the four-storey building as the upper floors are deemed unsafe. There is also confirmed asbestos within the building, and the trust says it is in a “poor state of repair”.

Under the plans the building will be refurbished and the exterior re-clad. It will also be made net zero with solar panels put on the roof, and an air source heat pump installed.

The trust said: “As part of the proposal, we are not looking to create more teaching space on the school campus, instead we are proposing to substantially refresh the existing underutilised accommodation and make it fit for purpose.

“The current interior condition of the teaching spaces is poor due to lack of use and under investment from past and failed governance.

“The vision of Bishop Laney Sixth Form, Ely College and the Meridian Trust is to transform, re-imaging this poor condition building and to turn it into a symbol of regeneration, this is environmentally carbon neutral and reaches zero net carbon targets for energy consumption.

“We strongly believe that these old buildings still have a future and a purpose and can be adapted to suit the needs of the current and future generations attending the school.”